Meet Cathy Yang | pianist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy Yang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’m so glad for this question because it is a central theme that’s been in my thoughts in the past year. Having played piano for almost all of my life, even before I made it my vocation, it is often hard for me even now to distinguish between work and life. There is a blurry boundary – or an open space – that has both positive and negative impacts. There has always been that mindset that you should study hard and chase your dreams, and one often forget the “life” that is happening all the time around you. What I mean is priorities – studies and work have always trumped relationships and friendships, whereas it is life that should be prioritized, especially since it is the fuel that drives my creative work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am one of the very many classical pianists out there – who started playing at an early age and won a fair share of prizes before starting university. That is to say, my “origin story” isn’t all that romantic! But – what has made me the musician that I am now is the meaning I’ve found/learned along the way. Especially when my music/performance has touched an audience member! It is the greatest feeling to have a stranger come up to you after a concert to say that your music resonated with them, that your authentic emotions have been transferred and received by another human being – that’s magic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many things to do I wouldn’t where to start! The many many restaurants, fun bars, street food, and beaches! If there’s time, I would love to take my friends to Joshua Tree! For me, the deserty climate feels so surreal and the vegetation is out of this world.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends inspire me every day. A passing comment often leaves me awe-struck or haunts me (in a good way!) days later – genius! I take inspiration from their wonderful qualities and I am constantly learning from them. Thank you – for being my role-model and for making me a better person!

Website: cathyyang-piano.com

Instagram: cathy.pianist

Youtube: cathy.pianist