Meet Yixuan (Bella) Yan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yixuan (Bella) Yan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yixuan (Bella), what do you attribute your success to?
For me, the most important factor has been building junior connections — with my students, their families and the broader music community. Technical skills and professional achievements matter, but they are most powerful when paired with trust, empathy, and a shared love for music.
I believe in meeting each student where they are and helping them grow not only as musicians but also as individuals. That means tailoring my approach, celebrating small victories, and creating an environment where curiosity and the creativity can thrive.
I remember one young student who has painfully shy and hesitant to even place her hands on the piano at first. Over time, with encouragement and a gentle pace, she not only performed confidently in front of an audience but also found her own joy in creating music. Watching that transformation reminded me why I do what I do— it’s not just about producing great performances, but about helping someone discover a part of themselves they didn’t know existed.
My own journey— from performing internationally, serving as competition judge and masterclass faculty , to engaging in academic discussions and guest lectures with university professors— has shaped how I teach. These experiences have given me both the practical insight of a performer and the analytical depth of an educator, enriching the way I guide my students.
Ultimately, I think my brand is successful because it reflects this philosophy: music is both a discipline and a gift, and the most lasting impact comes from inspiring others to embrace it fully.

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.
My art is a reflection of my deep passion for music combined with a commitment to nurturing others’ growth. What sets me apart is my holistic approach — I’m not only focused on technical excellence but also on expiring curiosity, emotional connection, and confidence in every student I teach. I believe music is a language that connects people. And my goal is to help each individual find their unique voice within it.
Professionally, my journey has been rewarding but far from easy. Starting as a performer, I gradually expanded into teaching, judging, competitions, and leading masterclasses. Each step required dedication, adaptability, and resilience. I faced challenges such as balancing multiple roles, overcoming self-doubt, and continuously evolving my teaching methods to meet diverse student needs.
One story that really stays with me is about a student who came to me struggling not only with technique but with a deep fear of performing in front of others. Over time, through patience, and tailored encouragement, we worked on building her confidence step-by-step. I remember the day she performed her first solo recital— her nervous turned into joy, and the pride in her eyes was unforgettable. Moments like that remind me why I am passionate about teaching..
The lessons I’ve learned are many, at foremost among them is the importance of genuine connection— with students, colleagues, and the music community. Success is not just about personal achievement, but about fostering a supportive environment where creativity and growth thrive.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m deeply invested in creating meaningful musical experiences that go beyond notes and technique. My studio and my work are about empowerment, joy, and lifelong learning. I am excited about continuing to grow, explore, new artistic horizons, and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I really love going on road trips, especially to places with lots of cool art vibes, abstract art is my favorite— it really gets my imagination going and makes me think in new ways. Being around that kind of creativity helps me come up with fresh ideas for my own work.
I also get a lot of inspiration from going to concerts and events with amazing musicians, like my friends and colleagues. Talking with those experienced artists always pushes pushes me to learn more and get better.
One of my favorite places to visit is Las Vegas— not just for the usual attractions, but because I love watching theater style shows there that have strong stories and emotional depths. Those performances really resonate with me and spark new ideas.
My life is pretty simple, but one thing I always enjoy is spending time by the ocean. Living in California, you just can’t skip the beach— the cool breeze and the sound of the waves really help me relax and clear my mind. It’s like a little healing moment for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to begin by thanking my family, especially my parents, whose unwavering love and encouragement have been the foundation of everything i do.
I’m deeply grateful to the many mentors and colleagues who have supported and guided me. among them, my primary mentor- who gave me the opportunity to join the music festival faculty- and the person who first invited me to serve as a competition judge, hold a special place in my heart.
I also want to sincerely thank my students and their families. Their trust, enthusiasm, and commitment inspire me every day and remind me why I love what I do.
There are countless others, both seen and unseen, who have helped shape my journey, and I am truly thankful to all of them for their support along the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellayan4?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: Bella Yan

Other: Red book: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5b0397ae11be1046a3937b76?xsec_token=YBPFSV9SWov0bGBKXeabY7D8jdgaREb1toQtNXD8bEiQM=&xsec_source=app_share&xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=5b0397ae11be1046a3937b76&apptime=1755036649&share_id=96c4539385c74ddab9d977f82aaa5ba5