Biography
Helena Wei has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and lecturer. She holds post-graduate degrees in Piano Performance from the University of British Columbia (Canada), the University of Southern California (USA), and A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Prior to her relocation to San Diego, she was a professor of music at the University of the Pacific (USA) and Tunghai University (Taiwan). Her active performing experiences include staff pianist at the University of Western Ontario, Stockton Symphony, Cantabella Children’s Chorus, Sycamore Strings, Musical Performance, and Communications (sponsored by the Canada Council for the Arts). She was a member of the selection committee of Del Valle Fine Arts’ musical series and adjudicated in numerous piano competitions nationally and internationally.
Prof. Wei has over four decades of teaching and coaching experience from beginners to advanced levels. Her recent focus has been to inspire the community with an innovative approach in her music versus art curriculum. This program pairs “Master Art” with “Master Music” through her well-crafted live performances in each lesson. Helena Wei is currently a Contract Faculty at the Emeritus Program, San Diego College of Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District. Her piano classes at SDCCE included more than 430 students in each of the academic semesters since 2020.
Prof. Wei is actively involved in educational leadership as the Assistant Program Chair of the Emeritus program at SDCCE, as well as a member of numerous share governance and selection committees. In Feb of 2020, she spearheaded a fundraiser that featured all disciplines from the Emeritus Program and extended its outreach to the Greater San Diego Community. This is followed by the 2nd Emeritus Virtual Concert; www.sdcceconcert.com. Subsequently, the 3rd Emeritus Concert which then became an annual concert that was broadcast worldwide.
Helena Wei dedicates her time freely to her community. She is a member of the Rancho Bernardo Discovery Music Series planning committee. "Joy of Piano Rediscovered" particularly features the faculties and students of the Emeritus program regularly. Hundreds of her piano students now participate in weekly Zoom breakout rooms, monthly recitals, and outreach to senior facilities throughout San Diego. In her leisure time, Helena enjoys her involvement with Improv workshops, the Rancho Bernardo's Oaks North Women's Golf Club, and the CSC Golf League. She also frequently volunteers at various Arts organizations, improv workshops, and theatres throughout San Diego County.
Concerts, Performances, and Teaching Promos:
4th Emeritus Concert (April, 2024)
3RD Emeritus Concert, April 2023, (Timestamp: 1:17:00)
https://youtu.be/cToTVdEwY8A (Timestamp: 44:55)
https://vimeo.com/781287381/3a8a0de815
2nd Emeritus Concert, April 2022 (Timestamp: 1:17:11)
SDCCD- AAPI Heritage Celebration Virtual Concert, May 2021
1st Emeritus Concert, Feb 2020
SDCCE Emeritus Program Piano Class Promotional Video
Concert Photos:
https://jkatphotoinc.smugmug.com/Emeritus-Benefit-Concert-2024
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdce/albums/72177720304500486