About
SJ Piano Academy
Rooted in Community,
Driven by Music
SJ Piano Academy was founded in 2007 by Stephen Jebakumar with a single teaching studio and a deep belief that music has the power to transform lives. What began as a small neighbourhood music school has grown into one of the most trusted piano academies in the Greater Toronto Area, now welcoming over 400 students each year across six fully-equipped studios.
From the very beginning, our philosophy has been simple: great teaching is personal. We take the time to understand each student's learning style, musical goals, and pace — whether they dream of performing on a concert stage, passing RCM exams with distinction, or simply playing their favourite songs at home.
Over the years, SJ Piano Academy students have graced stages at Roy Thomson Hall, competed in provincial piano festivals, and gone on to study at leading conservatories across North America. Yet our greatest achievement is not measured in trophies — it is measured in the joy we see on a child's face when they play their first song, or in the quiet pride of an adult who discovers music for the first time.
We are proud to be a community, and we look forward to welcoming you into ours.
Principal Instructor
Margaret Chen
Founder & Principal InstructorMargaret Chen holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music and has over 25 years of teaching experience. A graduate of the Glenn Gould School, Margaret performed extensively across Canada and Europe before dedicating herself fully to music education in 2005.
A certified RCM teacher and examiner, Margaret is known for her warmth, precision, and her uncanny ability to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds. Under her guidance, dozens of students have achieved first-class honours in RCM examinations, and several have pursued careers as professional musicians and music educators.
Outside the studio, Margaret serves on the board of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association and is a frequent adjudicator at regional piano festivals.
Credentials & Affiliations
- M.Mus, Royal Conservatory of Music
- Glenn Gould School Graduate
- RCM Certified Teacher & Examiner
- ORMTA Board Member
Our Teaching Team
Each instructor brings a unique background and deep passion for nurturing musical talent at every level.
David Park
Sophie Lefebvre
Arun Kapoor
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."— Plato