Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerry Chang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jerry, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started learning piano when I was four. My mom always says that I was always full of energy, so she took a friend’s advice to try music lessons in the hopes of extending my attention span. That first day, I sat beside my teacher for thirty minutes. From that moment, my musical journey began, and she has remained my teacher for the past 13 years.
Studying piano has taught me two essential things: the power of simplicity and the balance between discipline and expression. These principles have reshaped not just my playing but how I approach challenges beyond music. Chopin’s works, in particular, have been some of my greatest teachers.
At first, Chopin’s music seems daunting, filled with rapid passages, ornaments, and intricate harmonies. But I soon discovered the real beauty wasn’t in playing more, but in playing less. His Nocturnes, for example, depend on a singing melody supported by carefully measured accompaniment. At first, I fell into the trap of over-romanticizing, thinking more rubato and extreme dynamics would make it “emotional.” Instead, it sounded artificial, and listeners often struggled to feel the phrases with me. Only when I stepped back, maintaining a steady pulse and letting the harmonies breathe naturally, did the music truly come alive. The beauty was in the balance, not the exaggeration.
His Etudes reinforced this lesson. The “Revolutionary” Etude, Op. 10 No. 12, isn’t just about speed; its turbulent left-hand passages must remain clear, with every note distinct even in the chaos. The “Ocean” Etude’s rolling arpeggios demand fluidity rather than force, where a relaxed arm performs better than muscling through. Through these pieces, I learned that true virtuosity isn’t about being loud or flashy, but about bringing out the emotional depths of a piece with the most effective means possible.
This philosophy extends beyond Chopin. Bach’s counterpoints, Mozart’s phrasing, and Debussy’s textures all benefit from a similar approach. Playing piano, then, becomes an exercise in refinement: mastering the balance between expression and simplicity.
As a high school student, balancing piano with school life presents its challenges. On regular school days, I practice about 90 minutes between homework, sports, and other activities. During summer breaks or when preparing for competitions, sessions stretch up to four hours daily. Some days can be messy: I’ve practiced at midnight after finishing schoolwork, or reviewed my lesson notes at the dinner table.
But over time, I’m getting better at managing my time. I’ve learned to adapt fast when situations change. If I miss practice, I make it up later. When I am tired before a concert, I push through. Because even on the hardest days, playing is a necessity. Sometimes, practicing seems like a chore that I must do in order to improve. Other times, those harmonies and phrases serve as an escape from my stress the minute my hands touch the keys. Regardless, music is a central piece of my life that I will never give up. What began as a way to channel a four-year-old’s energy has become my lifelong conversation with music.

Jerry, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a classically trained pianist, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive support from my music school and local foundations through scholarships and mentorship. Their generosity—both material and spiritual—has allowed me to travel for competitions, attend masterclasses, and develop as a musician. None of my achievements would have been possible without this community behind me, which is why I’m so passionate about giving it back.
This passion led me and some schoolmates to establish the STL Performance Club. Despite our packed high school schedules, we share a deep commitment to bringing music to our community. Our club has two main missions: promoting live performances and celebrating cultural inclusiveness through music.
Our initial goal was to encourage more students to perform at school assemblies. During the pandemic, many performances had to be pre-recorded, and we noticed that, afterward, the number of live musical performances dropped. This decline might be due to a lack of confidence in performing before a live audience. To address this, we are creating opportunities for students of all musical backgrounds to showcase their talents in a supportive environment, helping them build confidence and experience the joy of live performance. Since then, our club has expanded, organizing benefit concerts for musical organizations, hosting volunteer performances at healthcare centers, and inviting artistic groups into school to perform for the student body.
Another important focus of our club is to make cultural celebrations more vibrant. While my heritage celebrates holidays like Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival with dynamic performances, many school events present culture through lectures. We’re changing that by producing live showcases of traditional music and dance, creating immersive experiences that honor cultural inclusiveness. Personally, I am excited to learn more about the music of different cultures as we bring these performances to a wider audience.
We currently have over 100 members in our club—a number that has grown a lot! Together, we’ve performed at schools, churches, and cancer centers, and raised $2,500 for local nonprofits through benefit concerts. Currently, we’re planning a regional concert for this fall and participating in the Very Asian Youth Concert this spring.
We warmly welcome anyone who would like to join. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just beginning your musical journey, we’re excited to grow and learn together with you. We also hope to reach more people in our community. If you’re looking for a meaningful performance at your next event, please connect with us—we’d love to be part of it!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My musical journey has been guided by a simple belief: music is the most meaningful when shared with others.
Chopin taught me this well. His pieces demand more than technical precision; they require emotional control and ask for listening rather than forcing. I learned that true artistry lies in serving the music rather than showing off, in being the vessel to let the piece speak.
This understanding fuels my work with the STL Performance Club, where we help young musicians rediscover the courage to perform live after pandemic isolation, a platform where music transforms from solitary practice into shared connection. What began as a response to our school’s dwindling live performances after the pandemic has grown into a mission to rebuild musical confidence and cultural bridges through performance.
Whether I’m teaching, performing, or organizing benefit concerts, my purpose stays the same: to create moments where music bridges gaps.
Our Performance Club isn’t about flawless performances. It’s about the moment when sound becomes shared experience, when a note lands exactly where it’s needed. That’s the magic we’re chasing: not for perfect performances, but for perfect connections.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a musician is witnessing how music connects with people from all walks of life. Whether performing at festivals, accompanying ensembles, or playing with orchestras, I’ve seen how a simple melody can speak where words fail. Music becomes this universal language that bypasses differences, connecting us through shared emotion.
One particularly meaningful experience was playing for individuals with neurodisabilities. Some of them rarely expressed emotion, but when I played, their reactions were profound. One person began swaying to the rhythm, their face lighting up with joy, while another moved their hands gently, as if feeling the music in their own way. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of connection and purpose. Music can reach people on a deeper level, offering comfort and joy.
For two years, I’ve volunteered teaching piano to children in need. Finding creative ways to spark their curiosity reminds me of my own first lessons. When a student’s eyes widen at discovering a beautiful phrase, I see my younger self reflected back at me.
These experiences, whether performing or teaching, keep reminding me: music matters most when shared. It is the universal language that connects strangers through sound, and I am forever grateful that I fell in love with it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.performanceclubstl.com/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JerryChangMusic