Meet Ilana Joyce Cady | Free lance Pianist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ilana Joyce Cady and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ilana Joyce, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The music industry is extremely diverse and there are many different ways to fit into it, especially as a pianist. When I was in undergrad the assumption seemed to be that I would become a performer or a piano teacher, and after finishing grad school and going out into the working world I realized, that is not the case. As a pianist you can accompany choirs, collaborate with other soloists, play for musicals, be a church musician, play for ballet dancers, and the list goes on. There are many options to explore and different genres to experience. It never gets boring, and the ways to be creative are endless.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I love being a free lance pianist. I am so lucky to be able to go to a different type of musical job and get to stretch my creativity and skills in a new way, everyday. I currently work for Boston Ballet School and Boston Conservatory at Berklee dance divisions, National Children’s Chorus, Worcester Children’s Chorus and South Lancaster Academy Choirs, Wellesley Village Church and College Church, piano faculty at Dexter Southfield School as well as a private studio, and put together concerts throughout New England with my colleagues. I often get asked which job I enjoy the most, but I’ve come to realize that I love having the diversity of work; no two days are the same. I have met some amazing people along the way as well. The job is not easy, keeping up with all the different rehearsal schedules, class schedules, and performance schedules can be a lot to manage but it keeps me on my toes. I have learned that where there is a desire and passion there’s a way to get there. I have had many rejections but I don’t let that stop me from continuing to strive for different opportunities and places to play.

For the performance side of my career I love to share music with audiences and make it accessible. I make it a point to try and include at least one piece by a woman on each program I put together. It is important to keep music alive and keep introducing these works to audiences everywhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I spend a lot of my time in Boston, Worcester and Central MA areas, and since Boston is so well known I’ll share some of my favorite spots in the Worcester and Central MA areas.

My favorite place in the Woo is definitely the Canal district, especially Crompton Collective. This is a collection of shops including, Seed to Stem (AMAZING plants), the Haberdash (great clothing for the ladies), Birchtree Bread Company (the best Chai), and a huge collection of antiques in the downstairs level, there’s also a book store and a few other shops nearby. Right next door if you’re there on the weekend, is the Worcester Public Market, which has amazing little shops and restaurants to try.

About 20 minutes from Worcester is Main Street in Hudson, MA. They have great restaurants, a couple being Railtrail and Kith and Kin, as well as some very cute shops. Many stores are open Wednesday-Sunday so make sure to check online before heading out.

Last two places that you need to check out if you’re in ever in the Central, MA area is Rota Springs Farm, they have the BEST ice cream, open March-November, and Coffeelands, my favorite local coffee shop, great coffee, great vibes and they have two pianos there, so what’s not to love.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not have been here if it were not for my parents. Both musicians, they have fully supported my career choice from day one. They have come to almost every concert I’ve done, even the ones 1,000+ miles away. If it were not for their unwavering support I don’t know that I would still be on this musical journey. I have to also thank my piano instructors, Olga, Dennitza, Marcelo, Leslie and Robbie for deepening my knowledge and love for the piano and believing in me.

Website: ilanajoycecady.com

Instagram: @ilanajoycecadypiano

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilanajoycecadypiano

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWnTYVk84K-1RGmctgV8GNw

Image Credits
Chris Ashton Photography Emily Boudreau Photography GAQ Media, Gustavo Quiros