Meet Sera Jo | Pianist & Songwriting Instructor at Musicians Institute

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

Hi Sera, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My business involves selling digital sheet music PDFs for download. When I started, I wasn’t aware that I could sell my product. However, through my YouTube channel and Instagram account, many people reached out, asking if they could get the charts for what I was playing.

My process began by organizing the charts as individual products. I named them, provided descriptions, and performed each piece so that potential customers could decide whether to purchase. Gradually, I created more charts, which eventually evolved into my curriculum. I managed to organize certain subjects into different steps, writing charts and recording my own performances.

Now, I focus more on site teaching, but these charts are actually being used in the real world. I can’t wait to develop more courses and products when I have free time.

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 am a musician, which means that all my performances are my product.
Every week at The Wellesbourne, I play two sets of live piano music. This is my product, which includes my image as a musician, song selection, and the level of musicianship.
I teach at the Musicians Institute, where I have 15 to 20 students each quarter. I feel a heavy responsibility for how my teaching affects them. I want to show my students how amazing it is to be a musician and an artist. I keep telling them to appreciate and be humble in the face of the complexity and depth of the musical world.
I often share my charts and performance videos on online platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and SoundCloud.

Although the formats differ, I manage the entire set, curriculum, or product. I find the role of a creative director enjoyable.
For my live piano set at The Wellesbourne, every week I select at least 15-20 new cover songs. The selection varies depending on the circumstances. One week, I may focus on Billboard pop hits by female singers such as Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Ariana Grande, and Dua Lipa. Then, I choose jazz tunes that may not be familiar to listeners but are beautifully composed, hoping more people will come to know them.

In terms of teaching, I currently teach “songwriting” at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. I don’t consider myself a professional songwriter in the market or industry. When I first got this position, I wasn’t sure what to do. However, I realized that beyond mixing, mastering, or orchestrating using fancy plugins via DAW, songs are ultimately created by the composer. So, I began guiding my students through the creative process. We brainstorm, discuss specific subjects, and extract the essence of song lyrics ideas. We analyze the works of great songwriters, deconstructing them to inspire students in creating song structures and chord progressions.

I assist them with ear training so they understand their music better. Some students struggle to sing over the chord progressions they create, often guessing by using all the keys on the computer. I help them find shortcuts to improve their skills.

I also create videos and audio content for my social media, focusing mainly on my YouTube channel. From there, I convert files to MP3 and upload music or edit them into short videos. My YouTube channel, which I started in 2013 after moving to the US, became a platform for me to adjust to a new society and musical journey. I practiced daily and recorded myself for motivation. Over the years, I began recording for my classes, student recitals, and new songs I learned. Anything could be content for my YouTube channel.

One day, I discovered that subscribers were visiting my channel using the keyword “Sera Jo sheet music.” I then changed my channel name from Sera Jo Music to Sera Jo Sheet Music. I also found Gumroad.com, a platform where I sell digital products such as MP3s and PDFs. Now, I have a few students who initially found me through YouTube. I always bring new materials and have jam sessions with them. Teaching online as a musician can be challenging. However, with advancing technology, I’ve realized that much of the content I use now cannot be replicated in one-on-one, in-person lessons.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I might not be the most outgoing person to ask for LA recommendations, but I’ve lived here for 12 years and have a few favorite spots that offer a quieter, more introspective experience.

Day 1: Museums and Beaches**
Start your trip with a visit to one of LA’s many museums. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is a great option.
Spend the afternoon at the beach. I used to go to Santa Monica Beach or Playa Del Rey, but now, for safety reasons, I visit with my husband.

Day 2: Coffee and Books in Culver City**
Visit Village Well in Culver City. It’s a charming bookstore with a cozy café. Grab a coffee, browse some books, and take a stroll around downtown Culver City.

Day 3: Exploring Korea Town**
Head to Yeems Coffee in Korea Town. Their buttercream latte is a must-try, and parking is easy.

Day 4: Hiking and Nature**
Spend the day at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. It’s not a large hike, but it’s a beautiful spot to appreciate nature and enjoy some fresh air.

Day 5: Some Chinese Food**
Visit San Gabriel for dinner. The Taiwanese porridge is comforting, and it is my favorite. You can enjoy bubble tea and grab some Chinese bakery treats before heading back.

Day 6: Music and Nightlife**
In the summer, catch a classical concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s one of my favorite activities, and it’s conveniently close to where I work.
If you prefer a quieter night out, visit The Wellesbourne. It’s a cozy spot where I play acoustic piano every Wednesday and Saturday. It’s a place where you can find both peace and excitement in a relaxing atmosphere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say that all the great music and musicians deserve credit for where I am today. I learn through music itself.

Everyone’s life takes a different shape. Some people are born with talent, gain recognition early, and get opportunities right away. In my opinion, I experienced a bit of that in my 20s. I started learning piano as a hobby because I was bored during my freshman year summer break. It led me to become a local pianist, and I earned good money at a young age.

But suddenly, everything felt like an illusion. I began reflecting on music, the piano, and myself. The industry, flashy stages, touring, and cool musician friends lost their meaning for me. I became fed up with being a musician, which was a turning point for me to reconsider my relationship with music.

I began to doubt if music even existed—it was something I couldn’t touch or see, yet everyone around me, especially in the music school where I worked, was crazy about it. I kept playing music, but it felt like I was just going through the motions. Being a musician became a way to survive and affirm that I was alive.

Then, one day, I was given a second chance—a renewed appreciation for music that I hadn’t experienced in my early 20s. Suddenly, music felt real to me. It had always been there. Some people chase illusions of music, using it as a means to pursue something in their lives. But even when I felt disillusioned and suffered, music remained. It was always there.

Every time I play or teach, I think of music. I am so grateful for who I am as a musician. It doesn’t need to be recognized or approved by anyone. My life reminds me every day when I wake up that I have something to do, something to enjoy and explore—music.

Website: https://serajomusic.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/serajomusic

Twitter: https://x.com/serajo

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/serajopiano

Youtube: https://YouTube.com/serajosheetmusic

Image Credits
The Wellesbourne
Sera Jo