We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Peiyao Yu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Peiyao, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

It is funny – I actually answered this same question last July, right after graduation. Back then, I said I had no regrets and knew I belonged on stage. But sometimes I wondered if I was just trying to convince myself. You see, I was about to move to a new city and was completely overwhelmed with uncertainty about my future. As a musician, I felt caught between two worlds – people saw the glamorous side of being an artist, but I wasn’t even sure if I could support myself.
Last August, after moving to the new city, reality hit hard. I found myself surrounded by well-meaning people who all had the same advice: switch careers, particularly to tech. Even former musicians were telling me to make the change. With so many voices in my ear, I started questioning my path.
I thought maybe I could find a middle ground – perhaps something combining music and technology. So I enrolled in some coding courses online, and despite always being a good student who loves learning, these coding videos had an incredible superpower: they could knock me out cold within ten minutes! No matter how energetic I was, the moment someone started talking about programming, my body decided it was emergency nap time.
It was quite telling, because I could spend hours practicing or organizing concerts without ever feeling that way – if anything, those activities energized me. That’s when it became clear to me – my body was telling me what my heart already knew. No matter how uncertain the path might be, or how much money I might or might not make, my heart belongs to creative arts. That’s where my passion lies, where my curiosity lives, and what drives me forward.
So now, I can say with certainty that I’m happiest as an artist. Creative arts isn’t just what I do – it’s who I am.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a classical keyboardist – which means I’m fluent in piano, organ, and carillon (yes, those beautiful tower bells you might hear on college campuses!). My journey started with piano when I was five, but during my first master’s degree in piano performance, I fell head over heels for the organ. Then while pursuing my second master’s in organ, I added carillon to my musical toolkit. Talk about a keyboard evolution!
What sets me apart is probably my versatility and openness to different forms of artistic expression. Beyond traditional classical performances, I’ve found myself designing websites and posters, mainly because I believe art, in any form, is about connecting with people. When I perform, I’m not just playing notes – I’m sharing stories and emotions that might be hard to express in words.
I take pride in making classical music more approachable. Whether I’m playing a Beethoven sonata or Phantom of the Opera, my goal is to bring music into people’s daily lives in meaningful ways. I specially enjoy creating themed concerts that blend different art forms or tell specific stories – it’s my way of making classical music feel more relevant and engaging to modern audiences.
Currently, I’m the organist at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Studio City, CA, and I love how music brings the community together. You can also find me accompanying several school choirs and the Rose Singers – there’s something magical about collaborating with other musicians! When I’m not at church or rehearsing with choirs, I’m probably preparing for my next recital around LA.
At the end of the day, what I want people to know about my work is that it’s all about genuine connection. Yes, I can play the complicated pieces and hit all the right notes, but what really matters to me is whether the music touches someone’s heart or brightens their day, even just a little bit.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is seeing how music touches people’s lives in unexpected ways. Two moments particularly stand out to me.
After performing Widor’s Toccata at church one Sunday, an elderly choir member approached me with tears in his eyes. He shared that the piece brought back precious memories of his parents, who had deeply loved that same composition. As he hugged me, I realized that music isn’t just about the notes we play – it’s about the memories we awaken and the emotions we share.
Another touching moment came after my recital at church when our priest approached me, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He told me that it had been years since the church had hosted any concerts, and he was amazed to see so many people come together to share in the music. The community’s enthusiasm and their desire for more performances reminded me why I do what I do.
These moments show me that music has a power that goes far beyond the concert hall – it brings people together, awakens memories, and creates new connections in ways I never could have imagined.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Let’s be honest – one of the most practical ways society can support artists is through fair compensation. Most musicians invest an enormous amount of time, energy, and money into their craft. We typically start training in childhood, pursue multiple degrees, and continue practicing throughout our careers. It’s not just about talent – it’s years of dedication and hard work.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. Recently, one of my employers candidly told me they wished they could pay me more, but there was a salary cap for my position. This is a common issue in the arts – many institutions want to support their artists but are constrained by budget limitations or rigid pay scales.
When people ask why many talented musicians consider career changes, it often comes down to this economic reality. We’re not expecting to become millionaires, but we should be able to make a comfortable living doing what we’ve trained so hard to do. Supporting the arts isn’t just about appreciating performances – it’s about creating an ecosystem where artists can sustainably pursue their craft and contribute to their communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yupeiyao.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yupeiyao719