PoSim Head

Dr. Po Sim Head (Fanny), a dedicated musicologist and pianist, is known for her profound dedication to uncovering and disseminating the works of lesser-known musicians, especially those from Latin America. She has released several albums highlighting the compositions of Peruvian composer Francisco Pulgar-Vidal and Ecuadorian composer Blanca Layana Gomez. Dr. Head's influence extends beyond her home country, as she has had the privilege of performing both nationally and internationally. Her guest performance at the Musicantes II festival in Lima, Peru, this past September is one of the testaments to her global influence.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Fanny received her undergraduate degree in Music Composition from Hong Kong Baptist University. She subsequently pursued her master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Musicology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Kansas, where she was a student of the esteemed pedagogue Dr. Scott McBride Smith.

Fanny serves as an adjunct faculty member at Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City while maintaining her thriving private studio. She frequently gives presentations at major conferences organized by the College Music Society and the Music Teachers National Association. Her articles are published regularly in academic journals and music magazines.

Music is unique in its ability to instill sensitivity, patience, confidence, and self-reliance.

As a committed musician and educator, I want students to appreciate and enjoy the diversity of

music. By guiding them along the musical journey, I aim to help them develop patience and

sensitivity through consistent and conscious dedication. I aspire for them to experience the

satisfaction of achieving their goals. I am a passionate teacher eager to explore new ways to

enhance my teaching. Every student is unique, and I am responsible for assisting them in

expressing their strengths and overcoming their challenges. As a piano teacher, I help my

students cultivate an appropriate artistic and stylistic interpretation through exposure to various

piano literature and genres. My passion for discovering lesser-known piano works also involves

teaching pieces that my students benefit from having more exposure to diverse genres. Alongside

technical exercises and aural and theory studies, my students not only learn to play the piano but

also receive comprehensive musical training and become well-rounded musicians under my

instruction. Similar to classroom teaching, I value diversity and inclusiveness. I ensure all voices

are heard and all students can fully participate in the learning process by delving a little deeper

into the reasons behind participation imbalances. I strive to motivate students to continue

learning and practicing while also challenging myself to improve and grow as a teacher. I

encourage students to take part in music events both inside and outside their classes. I hold

students’ recitals at least twice a year in my piano studio and urge them to participate in local and

national music festivals and conferences. Within my piano teaching studio, I create various

studio challenges to motivate students to set and achieve goals throughout the year. In my

classroom teaching, students find motivation in my engagement and use of up-to-date teaching

materials.