Meet Yaqi Wang | Concert Pianist & Event Organizer

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

Hi Yaqi, why did you pursue a creative career?
For me, pursuing an artistic career was never just about performing—it has always been about building community, inspiring growth, and creating platforms for young musicians to thrive.

I earned my Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy because I believe that a strong academic foundation strengthens artistic expression and teaching. As a certified Steinway & Sons Teacher and Educational Partner, I’m committed to high-level, student-centered education in both private and group settings.

Over time, I found myself increasingly passionate about organizing events that bring musicians together. As the founder of Concert Star, I curate international competitions and performance opportunities—including our final award ceremony at Carnegie Hall, which gives emerging artists a dream platform to share their music.

At the same time, I serve as Vice President of the International Classical Music Alliance (ICMA), where I lead the production of masterclasses, academic lectures, and festivals each summer at Pepperdine University in Malibu. These programs bring together outstanding performers, scholars, and students from around the world.

Ultimately, I chose an artistic path because it allows me to connect education, performance, and leadership in a meaningful way. Music is how I contribute to the world—and how I help others do the same.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in classical piano performance and pedagogy, but it has grown into something much broader—something that connects education, curation, cultural exchange, and community building. What sets my work apart is this fusion: I don’t just perform or teach, I design experiences that bring people together through music across borders and generations.

I hold a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and I’m a Steinway & Sons Certified Teacher & Educational Partner. My foundation is classical, but my vision is forward-looking. I’ve presented research at international conferences, but I also spend each week mentoring young students in my studio, some of whom are stepping onto the stage for the first time in their lives.

Professionally, I’m most proud of the work I’ve done through the two organizations I help lead. As Founder of Concert Star, I created an international music platform that gives emerging artists real-world performance opportunities. In October 2024, we held our Concert Star Piano Competition Award Ceremony at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, where students from around the world shared the same stage that’s hosted legends. It was a moment of pride—for them and for me.

I also serve as Vice President of the International Classical Music Alliance (ICMA), through which I organize summer festivals, academic lectures, and masterclasses each year at Pepperdine University in Malibu. This includes our 2025 LA District event at Curtis Theatre, featuring musicians from the U.S., U.K., Italy, and more, performing chamber works alongside the Grammy-Nominated St. Petersburg String Quartet.

The road here hasn’t been easy. As an international student from China, I had to adapt to a new country, language, and system—while pursuing excellence in a deeply competitive art form. I’ve learned that resilience, clarity of vision, and community support matter as much as talent. I’ve also learned that leadership in the arts means building platforms, not just standing on one.

What I hope the world sees in my story is that classical music is not a closed tradition—it’s alive, evolving, and full of possibility. Through Concert Star and ICMA, my mission is to open doors for the next generation of artists, to give them stages to shine, and to show that with the right support, music truly has no borders.

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?
If my best friend came to visit me in LA for a week, I’d want to give them a blend of art, nature, great food, and some local gems that make Southern California truly special.

Day 1 – Pasadena & Classical Vibes
We’d start at Old Pasadena for brunch at Café Santorini—their outdoor patio is beautiful. Then I’d take them to the Pasadena Steinway Gallery, one of my favorite places for concerts and inspiration (I often organize events there). In the evening, we’d go to a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall—no trip to LA is complete without it.

Day 2 – Malibu & Pepperdine
As Vice President of the International Classical Music Alliance, I’ve organized festivals and masterclasses at Pepperdine University, so I’d love to show them the campus overlooking the ocean—it’s breathtaking. Lunch at Malibu Farm Café on the pier, followed by a sunset walk at El Matador Beach.

Day 3 – Arts District Downtown
Coffee and murals in the Arts District, then a visit to The Broad Museum and maybe some piano pop-up playing at Union Station or Grand Central Market. Dinner at Bestia for upscale Italian or Bavel for creative Middle Eastern food.

Day 4 – Brea & Concert Star Day
We’d head to Brea’s Curtis Theatre, where we host regional rounds of the Concert Star Competition. I’d give them a behind-the-scenes tour, then grab bubble tea at Omomo nearby and Korean BBQ in Fullerton.

Day 5 – Studio Life + Relax
We’d spend a slower day—maybe a visit to my piano studio in Duarte, chatting over coffee and watching some of my students rehearse. Then head to Descanso Gardens for a calm walk among camellias, followed by Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo.

Day 6 – Coastal Drive + Santa Monica
I’d take them on the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping by Palisades Park, brunch in Santa Monica, maybe a Ferris wheel ride on the pier, and wind down with drinks at Élephante rooftop.

Day 7 – Culture & Reflection
We’d visit the Getty Center for the view and architecture. I’d introduce them to some local artists and musicians I collaborate with. To finish the week: dinner at Republique, then a quiet moment at Griffith Observatory, watching the city lights fade into the stars—just like music, timeless and infinite.

What I love about LA is how you can go from mountain to ocean to world-class concert hall in a single day. It’s a place where dreams collide and become reality—and I’m lucky to create here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely—my journey wouldn’t be possible without the support and encouragement of so many people and communities.

First, I’d like to give special thanks to my teachers and mentors throughout my academic life, especially during my doctoral studies. Their dedication not only shaped my technique and interpretation but also helped me grow into a better educator and leader.

I’m also deeply grateful to my family, who supported my decision to pursue music seriously and move internationally for my studies, even when it wasn’t the easiest path.

A heartfelt shoutout goes to the incredible teams I work with at the International Classical Music Alliance (ICMA) and Concert Star. These organizations wouldn’t be what they are without the passion and commitment of the volunteers, faculty, and partners who share the same vision—to create meaningful platforms for young musicians.

And finally, I want to thank my students. They inspire me every day with their energy, curiosity, and love for music. Watching them grow reminds me why I chose this path in the first place.

Website: https://yaqiwangpiano.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allison_yaqi/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaqi-wang-b7b80b124/details/education/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaqi.wang.39?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yaqipiano

Image Credits
David Pierre, Yuki Zhang, Mingfu Han