Steven Zhai

Steven Zhai is an RCM Gold Medalist and a classically trained Canadian pianist and educator specializing in piano pedagogy. He serves as a faculty member and private instructor for the University of Toronto Children’s Piano Pedagogy Program, where he mentors the next generation of young pianists. Having completed his Bachelor of Music Education and a Certificate in Piano Pedagogy at the University of Toronto, Steven obtained his Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy under the tutelage of Dr. Megan Chang.


A dedicated researcher and scholar, Steven is widely recognized for his work on Anime Piano Music. Under the supervision of Professor Norbert Palej, his research on the genre was awarded the prestigious Peter and Patricia Shannon Wilson Research Prize. His research continued throughout his graduate studies under the supervision of Dr. Midori Koga, exploring the use and the pedagogical value of Anime Piano Music in piano education. Steven is aiming to bridge the gap between classical tradition and popular music. During his spare times, Steven loves playing Anime and Video Game Piano music.


Steven’s musical foundation began in Shanghai under the instruction of his mother, a post-secondary piano educator. His commitment to excellence has earned him numerous scholarships, including the Jean A. Chalmers and Swee Kim Ang Memorial awards. Today, Steven teaches out of his Markham studio, where he combines a rich performance background with evidence-based teaching strategies to help students achieve personal success and artistic growth.