Our Story

Whilst our centre’s name M.int Academy is short for Music International Academy, it is also inspired by the invigorating nature of the mint leaf – that this strong-yet-subtle plant perfectly complements other flavours, yet still remains potent enough to lead as the central ingredient when required.

The lego-like blocks around our logo represent our journey in establishing M.int Academy from the very beginning - staff by staff, student by student, course by course, event by event - one block at a time. The blocks signify the coming together of our growing community. The “M” represents more than just the name of our academy. The final stroke on the right is a quaver stem - subtly incorporating an element of music.

Our Founders

A 2018 Tatler Gen.T Honouree, Andrea is classically trained in both piano and flute. A student of Eva Lue, she holds a DipABRSM (Distinction) in piano performance, a Performing Certificate in Solo Piano from Trinity College London, a Grade 7 ABRSM (Distinction) in Flute, and was the Grade 8 Piano Finals Tom Lee Cup Champion at the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival at the age of just 12.

Growing up in Hong Kong, Andrea studied at St Paul's Co-educational (Macdonnell Road) Primary School and German Swiss International School. Andrea spent her high school years at St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire, USA, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with distinction in music and languages. While at St. Paul’s, she was chosen as a soloist to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 with the school orchestra, and was awarded the Giles Award for leadership, commitment and dedication to the school band upon graduation. Andrea has performed as a piano soloist with the Georgetown University Orchestra, and served as First Flute with the Georgetown University Concert Band. 

Andrea holds a BSc in Business Administration from Georgetown University, and an MBA from Oxford University. In between her degrees, Andrea spent six years in various roles at the National Basketball Association, including business development, sponsorship, account management and hospitality. 

Andrea co-founded M.int Academy alongside sister Philippa to provide a fresh new approach to learning music for musicians of all ages and levels in Hong Kong.

A 2018 Tatler Gen.T Honouree, Philippa began her classical music training at the age of six, and holds ABRSM Grade 8 in piano, violin and oboe with Distinction, and voice, alongside a DipABRSM in piano and ATCL in violin.

Philippa studied at St Paul's Co-educational (Macdonnell Road) Primary School and German Swiss International School. She competed in the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival for seven years, winning three first prizes and nine top three awards. At age 12, she left Hong Kong to attend Wycombe Abbey School in the UK, where she was awarded the Stewart-Roberts Music Scholarship. Graduating as School Pianist, Head of Chamber Orchestra, House Music Conductor, and Leader of Senior String Quartet and Piano Trio, Philippa was awarded the Leavers Music Prize. While in the UK, she won multiple awards as a soloist and in chamber groups at different music festivals around London, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. At the age of 17, Philippa performed Beethoven's Emperor Concerto as a soloist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as with her school orchestra – a turning point that convinced her that music was significantly more to her than just an interest!

Combining her study for a Bachelor in Music (Hons) degree at King’s College London with piano performance study at the Royal Academy of Music, Philippa has been fortunate enough to study under a number of musical luminaries over the years, including Eva Lue, Julie Kuok, and Hugh Petter. While obtaining her Masters in Film Directing from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Philippa directed, wrote, and composed the original score to her short film, The Boy Under The Piano, scooping five Best Film awards, and going on to screen at multiple festivals worldwide, including the BAFTA Los Angeles Student Film Awards, NYC Independent Film Festival, Seattle Asian American Film Festival and Columbus International Film Festival.

Philippa is honoured to be Co-Chair of the Organising Committee for Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra's Annual Fundraising Concert 2018 and 2019. As a passionate music educator, she teaches both piano and violin. Co-founding M.int Academy alongside her elder sister Andrea, Philippa hopes to unify their strengths, creating a stimulating community for musicians of all ages and levels.