By: David Pierre
On October 6th, the Concert Star Award Ceremony occurred at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, New York. This successful event showcased 22 performers from diverse regions across the United States and countries such as Italy, France, England, China, and Mongolia. Each artist traveled great distances to share their unique interpretations of music, creating an unforgettable tapestry of talent and artistry.
From Tianjin to Los Angeles: A Musical Odyssey
Yaqi Wang’s musical journey began in Tianjin, China, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. This foundational experience paved the way for her remarkable path across the globe. Yaqi continued to refine her craft in the United States, obtaining her Master’s degree from Temple University and a Graduate Professional Diploma from the prestigious Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Each academic milestone showcased her exceptional skills and reflected her unwavering commitment to excellence.
In a world where melodies can stir the soul and ignite passion, Yaqi stands as a beacon of talent and dedication. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts with dual concentrations in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Kansas, her journey embodies a symphony of hard work, creativity, and a profound love for music that resonates through every note she plays. As she approaches the completion of her doctorate, Yaqi has transitioned from student to educator and leader within the music community.
Now based in Los Angeles, Yaqi is preparing for her upcoming paper defenses while taking on the role of a piano instructor. Her future recital plans include regular Clarity studio recitals at the local church, a piano duet showcase at the Curtis Theatre, and the release of her new Chinese compositions at Walt Disney Hall. With each endeavor, Yaqi continues to inspire and uplift those around her, solidifying her place in the vibrant world of music.
An Artist in Demand
Yaqi’s performance journey is nothing short of a dream. While serving as a teaching assistant at the Art Service Center for Scholars in Beijing, she had the privilege of assisting in masterclasses with jurors from the Chopin International Piano Competition and several esteemed professors from prestigious music conservatories in Europe and the United States. After witnessing the entire Van Cliburn Piano Competition in Fort Worth in June 2022, she traveled to the birthplace of Frédéric Chopin in Warsaw, Poland, to participate in piano masterclasses and reconnect with Chopin International Piano Competition jury members Andrzej Jasinski, the former chair, and Wojciech Świtała at the Akademia Muzyczna in Katowice. The following year, she performed Beethoven’s No. 4 Piano Concerto with the Grammy-nominated St. Petersburg Quartet, further showcasing her exceptional abilities as a soloist and a collaborator.
Leadership Beyond the Piano
As the founder and artistic director of Concert Star, Yaqi exemplifies her dedication to the arts. In this role, she curates events that entertain and elevate the community’s appreciation for classical music. “I believe in the power of music to bring people together,” she explains. “Every concert is an opportunity to connect with others and share our passion.”
Yaqi’s influence extends beyond performance and teaching. As the Vice President of the International Classical Music Alliance (ICMA), she plays a pivotal role in organizing events that promote classical music education and performance. Upcoming ICMA events include a winter camp at The Phoenix Hall in Osaka, Japan, and an Asian Art Fusion exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia. This position allows her to channel her organizational skills into initiatives that support emerging artists and foster a love for classical music in the community.
Crafting a Digital Legacy
In a digital age where online presence can elevate an artist’s profile, Yaqi has embraced this challenge by establishing a music content YouTube channel and engaging on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. One of her doctoral research focuses on “Online Educational Piano Video Tutorials: Surveying and Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology in Piano Education.” She surveyed piano educators, collecting hundreds of responses about their attitudes toward and adoption of online piano video tutorials.
Furthermore, she delivered an impressive presentation on this topic at the IPPA conference in July 2024. She explored the different types of online piano video tutorials available and assessed their engagement levels through her survey. “I want to build a bridge for everyone to access classical music,” she says. “Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new audiences.”
A Brilliant Future
As Yaqi Wang continues her journey through the world of music, her aspirations are as grand as her performances. With plans to further expand her teaching studio and produce more community events, she envisions a future where music is at the heart of every community. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of music—a reminder that through dedication and passion, one can reach personal heights and inspire others along the way. In Yaqi’s words, “Music is a journey, not just a destination.” And with each note she plays, she takes us for the ride.
For updates, visit her personal website: YaqiWangPiano.com
Published by: Annie P.