We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Peiyao Yu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Peiyao below.

Peiyao, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Am I happier as an artist or creative? Yes, I am indeed happier. Every performance brings me immense joy, especially knowing that my music makes others happy. In life, I am not very social, but music allows me to express my thoughts and emotions and helps me connect with others. Beyond the piano, I have also learned the organ and carillon, and I have designed websites and posters for my friends. I have even worked as a graphic designer. All these activities are closely tied to art and creativity. Music makes me feel comfortable, not just passionate.

I often imagine what it would be like if I have a regular job. On one hand, I have a vivid imagination; on the other, art has brought both good and challenging aspects to my life. Many musicians feel a sense of separation when they say they are musicians—some people have glamorous fantasies about us, while others see the profession as useless. Being a musician sometimes makes me feel like Cinderella: dazzling during performances, but after the clock strikes midnight, I must face reality. Performances do not sustain my livelihood, and my passion does not bring in money. This is a world full of beautiful fantasies, but when it merges with reality, it often brings trouble. Classical musicians seeking stable jobs have few options beyond teaching. Recently, I graduated and started job hunting, only to find that music teaching positions are scarce and poorly paid. I often joke with friends that my dream is to work at McDonald’s while freelancing and taking on part-time music gigs.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Well, hello, my name is Peiyao Yu. I recently completed another Master’s degree in Church Music at the University of Kansas, During this program, I also studied Carillon and have made my solo debut. Prior to this, I have already earned my Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Piano Performance at the University of Kansas.

My musical journey has been diverse. I began studying piano at the age of five and pursued this path with unwavering dedication until earning my doctoral degree. During my doctoral studies, I developed a passion for contemporary music and focused on promoting innovative works by underrepresented living composers. One of my notable achievements was my dissertation, “Out of the Box: Learning and Preparing for ‘From the Same Melancholy Fate’ by Eve Beglarian,” a multi-disciplinary, improvisatory electronic music.

My interest in organ began during the second year of my first Master’s degree in piano at the University of Michigan. During that time, I had the privilege of being selected as the only non-professional student for an interdisciplinary research team. Then after a two-year hiatus, I resumed my organ studies in the final year of my piano doctoral program and decided to accept my professor’s offer to pursue another Master’s degree in organ.

In addition to my proficiency in classical piano and organ—teaching, performing, accompanying, and collaborating—I have also applied my skills beyond music. I’ve supported my friend Zhengyingyue Huang’s organization Asian Classical Music Initiative by designing and managing websites and creating visual designs for events. If you’re interested in learning more about me, you can find my detailed bio and recordings on my website.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Haha, I recently realized my answer about this question: I like helping people. When I perform music and see the audience enjoying it, connecting with it, or reliving cherished memories, it truly uplifts me. That’s my primary goal. Conversely, if I can’t evoke that response, I feel a sense of frustration.

This realization struck me during my part-time jobs at school dining and libraries. Serving people and seeing their positive reactions empowered me. Similarly, when I assist with recitals by distributing programs or handling usher duties, I feel fulfilled.

In my creative journey, I strive to curate engaging repertoire for the community. It’s not just about showcasing my skills; it’s about creating an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Sometimes, there’s a misconception that our work as creatives is straightforward or doesn’t require extensive preparation. In reality, creative endeavors often involve deep thought, meticulous planning, and a lot of practice. It’s a misunderstanding because behind every creative project lies significant effort and dedication, which ultimately imbue our work with unique value and depth. Inspiration may strike in a moment, but achieving that inspiration requires endless preparation. For instance, I’ve had nights where I practiced piano until 3 AM, and I’ve seen friends stay up late memorizing opera lyrics to meet tight deadlines. Even for my amateur interests, like designing posters for friends, I start brainstorming themes weeks before and immerse myself in art to draw inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yupeiyao.com
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yupeiyao719?si=ln5hiYfT3kq26XRt

Image Credits

Michael Bersin, Zhengyingyue Huang, Feng Yu