We recently connected with Ivy Jin and have shared our conversation below.

Ivy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

It’s hard for me to say which one is the MOST meaningful, I love every production I’ve led or been part of about live performance or music. But I actually have a answer here! NYU GALA 2025 – A Journey to the West – an interdisciplinary production I created and directed as the Producer and Music Artistic Director. Presented at the historic Apollo Theater in New York, the event brought together over 150 professional performers and 100 staff across NYU’s global campuses to co-create an original large-scale performance that celebrated cultural diversity and artistic innovation, using music, dance, animation, sketches, and film to create a cohesive and immersive experience.

I led the full production cycle, including developing the artistic vision, curating the program, coordinating rehearsals, managing the creative team, and directing the technical aspects. I also worked closely with venue staff and faculty mentors to ensure the production met professional standards while maintaining a strong student-led identity. We also partnered with major music brands such as Steinway & Sons, which added tremendous support and credibility to the show.

With limited time and resources, our team built the entire production from scratch. This included music composition and arrangements, visual design, promotional strategy, and backstage operations. In addition to serving as the sole lead producer, I also held the role of Music Artistic Director. I oversaw quality control and ensured that all musical elements such as music programs, background music, and sound design for films, animations, dances, and theater cues, maintained a high standard. I also contributed to the composition and arrangement of several pieces alongside our talented music director Mulang.

One of the aspects I was most proud of was the diversity of our music programming. We featured everything from traditional music and classical piano trios to melodic rap with string quartet and harp, as well as pop bands incorporating bamboo flute, etc. It was a vibrant and refreshing mix. I was also honored to be invited by the music team to perform as the lead vocalist in a jazz piece alongside some incredible jazz musicians. Performing in the production I produced was truly happy and unforgettable.

What made this experience especially meaningful to me was seeing how a shared belief in art could unite people from different disciplines, languages, and countries. As a musician, I’ve always been passionate about breaking genre boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices. GALA 2025 allowed me to do that, not just as a performer, but as a leader, collaborator, and producer & director in live performance.

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?

I’m Ivy Jin (Yaqi Jin), a Los Angeles– and New York–based producer, music director, classical pianist, and jazz vocalist who bridges classical tradition with interdisciplinary innovation. As co-founder of Concert Star LLC and Artistic Director & Judge for the Concert Star International Competition at Carnegie Hall, I continue to deepen my roots in classical music by directing masterclasses, organizing international competitions, giving lectures in universities and adjudicating at major music festivals.

Academically, I am pursuing multiple degrees in Piano Performance, Music Business, and Global Economics, and I am certified by the Recording Academy (Grammys), which strengthens my professional foundation. I have served on the jury and faculty at events such as the Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition (2024), the OpusOne International Music Festival, ICMA International Music Festival and the Shanghai International Piano Festival & Institute, among others.

In production, I have led large-scale original performances that combine music, film, dance, animation, and theater. I oversee every aspect, from concept development and programming to rehearsal coordination, music supervision, team management, and technical direction, with a performer’s insight driving production quality. My work has reached hundreds of thousands across concerts, videos, films, and interdisciplinary projects, and has been recognized by organizations such as the Recording Academy and the Cannes Film Festival.

My driving passion is to empower emerging musicians across all forms of performance and to amplify voices that deserve broader recognition. Whether I am composing, teaching, adjudicating, or producing, I approach each project with the mindset of creative authorship, grounded in artistic depth, refined professionalism, and a commitment to global artistic collaboration. My goal is to build a music ecosystem that is inclusive, dynamic, and impactful, where every artistic vision has the opportunity to shine.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had realized earlier how important it is to step outside the traditional musician mindset. But the truth is, I figured it out sooner than most, and that’s exactly why I’m here today. I spent years practicing piano, singing, and composing alone, caught in my own bubble. But inspiration often comes from life itself: observing, reflecting, and engaging with the world. Music and live performance take many forms, and the sooner we explore beyond the familiar, the more meaningful our work becomes.

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

For me, the most valuable aspect of being an musician is helping preserve and carry forward the beauty of music while building pathways for future talent. I’ve had the honor of serving as a jury member and faculty in music festivals and competitions. It’s deeply rewarding to witness so many young, gifted musicians finding their voices.

I’m working from Concert Artistic Director to COO at Concert Star LLC, www.concertstar.org. A global platform dedicated to discovering and supporting talented artists around the world. I’m also invited by Steinway Artist Dr. Dmitry Rachmaninov to serve as Piano Faculty and Associate Director at the OpusOne International Music Festival in Los Angeles every summer, where I play a key role in handling the whole festival, shaping the festival’s overall artistic direction and strategic planning. Besides music itself, I’m served as Associate Producer at a Poetic Musical Produced by Dreamborne Theater, etc.

I believe music deserves to be heard beyond borders, and we are committed to expanding the possibilities for classical and creative musicians everywhere. Everything I pursue stems from a deep desire to let music be heard in all its forms, and to help every musician discover their unique voice and path through music. I never stop seeking, creating, or performing music, it’s how I stay connected to the world and to myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ivyjinmusic.com
• Instagram: kkdropthebeat
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaqi-jin/