Rising Stars: Meet Stephanie Zi Yi Yang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Zi Yi Yang.

Hi Stephanie Zi Yi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a concert pianist based in New York City, thinking back to how I got involved in the profession is fascinating. I used to love Chinese kung fu very much when I was young, however my father disapproved my decision to get more advanced in martial arts, so he surprised me by signing me up for piano lessons at the age of four. I didn’t quite enjoy the tedious practice, especially I was often alone practicing while my friends had their freedom to do other fun activities. But one thing I knew was that I love music, and being able to take weekly lessons with the best teachers in town was a privilege that not many people had at the time. Since the beginner music I had to learn wasn’t fun to play, I wanted to challenge myself to get better at playing the piano. I got through multiple levels as if I was advancing in a video game.

I was so curious to know what more could this instrument show me, and if my world will be different afterwards. Thank to my young hardworking self, I was able to perform my first solo recital at Xinghai Concert Hall at the age of eight, and soon after I was accepted to the music conservatory. I continued studying in piano performance in the United States when I was fifteen, received my bachelor’s degree from Eastman School of Music and Master’s degree from Mannes School of Music. I am happy I chose my favorite “after-school activity” as my profession. I am grateful to be able to share music with my audience at prestigious concert halls such as Carnegie Hall and Steinway Hall in New York now. I am forever grateful for how spontaneous my career path began.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During the past twenty-four years in pursuing my musical career, I was often challenged by terrible performance anxiety issues. Growing up I was very confident with my performance because I love hearing the clapping sounds from the audience, and performing was a way for me to prove myself to my parents and teachers. However, as I was receiving more attentions and expectations from others, I became anxious about every movement I make on stage. Terrible thoughts such as imaging people judging my performance in the audience, and having a memory slip during the performance, etc. I had some unsatisfactory performances due to the issues I had, but luckily my supportive teachers and colleagues helped me to recover from my terrible thoughts. It is important to remember that my audience are there to enjoy the music I create and share with them, and making a mistake is the last time to worry about on stage, just enjoy it! I hope my experience can help someone out there who is having the same issue!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a concert pianist who specializes in both classical and contemporary classical music. I began performing at the age of eight, and I have been a featured artist at venues including Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Columbia University, Steinway Hall, Bohemian National Hall and National Sawdust. In 2022-2023 season, I worked on two projects for the concert series “Music From East and West” at Columbia University which showcases traditional music with new music. Having the privilege to work with living composers in-person has helped me to learn so much more about the piano and the future of classical music. Hearing different musical concepts are displayed through the same theme, and new sparks being collied is such a fascinating experience.

I am looking forward to share more exciting music with my audience in the 2023 season. I will be featured in more concerts at Columbia University, a solo recital at Steinway Hall, master classes in Vancouver, Canada, as well as serving as the music director and joining the judge panel for the Golden Swan International Music Festival Competition at the Kennedy Center.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That is a difficult question because I am an extrovert, I think most people who I have worked with probably know everything I do! Perhaps one thing that only my close friends would know is that I love alcohol and jazz music, and that’s why I moved to New York.

Contact Info:

• Website: yang-stephanie.com
• Instagram: stephziyi