Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ying
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started piano at an early age, but very casually. My mom used to say she got me into music so I’d always have a place to turn to, no matter life was a blast or shit. Though my training wasn’t rigorous, I never stopped playing or practicing. In fact, I refused more serious training for the longest time because I feared it would take the joy out of playing piano.
During my undergraduate years at UCLA, I majored in anthropology with a minor in Korean. I loved what I studied, but it was not my calling. Then, in a twist of irony, my mom – perhaps feeling sorry for me as I complained about endless papers and readings – casually suggested, “Why don’t you do music? Then you wouldn’t have to do all this. It would be so much easier!”
Well, there is nothing easy in music. I bet she didn’t know what she was signing me up for LOL
Jokes aside, that comment sparked something in me, and the thought wouldn’t go away. I was lucky to have an amazing piano teacher at the time, and when I told her about this idea, she was all for it. So, I followed her to CalArts, where I earned my master’s degree in piano performance. From the moment I started being a full-time music student, I felt completely at home. I knew I had made the right decision.
After that, I went to Indiana University Jacobs School of Music for my performer diploma in piano performance, where I discovered my true passion – collaborative piano. I always loved playing with others more than just by myself. For my last year at IU, I officially switched to collaborative piano and earned my performer diploma in that field. From there, I continued to University of North Texas, where I pursued my doctorate in collaborative piano with a related field in music business. I am incredibly proud to say that I have just submitted my dissertation and passed my defense.
My years at UNT and in Dallas shaped my life in ways that I never could have imagined. I met incredible mentors and human beings who offered me love, support, and firm belief in my potential. I grew tremendously as a musician and as a human.
Now, as I transition into the professional world, I step forward with determination and confidence. I am working on projects aimed at demystifying classical musicians and promoting classical music to be more accessible to a broader audience. I am also exploring entrepreneurship and leadership – roles I never thought I’d be interested in, yet now find incredibly intriguing.
I hope to bring these products to life in the near future, but meanwhile, I want to bring a light to others. There will be moments of uncertainty, and it is ok to feel lost and discouraged. But as long as we stay true to ourselves and keep pushing forward, with the love and support of those we care and trust, we will be able to get there, one way or another.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! It is impossible to list every struggle along the way, but I will highlight a few that stand out.
One of my biggest challenges was my late start in pursuing music seriously. Most musicians undergo rigorous training from a young age to establish a strong technique and foundation – something I didn’t have. I worried that I couldn’t play as fast or as accurate as other “star students.” For a very long time, that was my greatest insecurity. Perhaps it still is, but I have learned to embrace it while continuously working hard to improve it.
Being a classical musician is both profoundly rewarding yet incredibly challenging. It demands discipline, consistency, and an unwavering commitment, yet it comes with constant uncertainties. The job market is more competitive than ever, with very limited openings and pay that often fails to reflect the immense effort we put into our craft.
Of course, nobody enters this field to become a billionaire – that is not what music is about. Music exists on a level far beyond the material. I believe I can speak for most musicians that one of our greatest challenges is preserving the purity and joy of making music without being overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the profession. Balancing passion with practical demands is a constant task, but it’s what makes our journey both magical and worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a collaborative pianist, the preferred modern term for what was once called an “accompanist.” My expertise spans the classical repertoire, working with instrumentalists – strings, woodwind, brass – as well as vocalists. I also perform in chamber ensembles and orchestras.
More than just a pianist, I see myself as a genuine, fun, and deeply empathetic musical partner. I value the connections I build with fellow musicians, relationships that often extend beyond rehearsals and performances into lasting friendships, as well as the ones formed with the community through music. Making music with others is not just what I do; it’s what I love.
I keep an open mind and nurture an insatiable curiosity. It is in my blood a drive to defy labels and boundaries. I don’t want to do or be just one thing. To me, everything is interconnected, and I strive to bridge worlds – musical and beyond – to create something meaningful.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books: The Baron in the Trees, Love in the Time of Cholera
Authors: Paulo Coelho, Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Podcasts: What Now? with Trevor Noah, Ideas of Order
Other resources: Tarot, candles, and yoga
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicoleying.com
- Instagram: @nicocoleying
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/yingqing.nicole
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicoleying
Image Credits
Micah Gleason
Qu Hang
Christopher Ian Smith
