We’re looking forward to introducing you to Zixiao Ye. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Zixiao, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is a nice blend of teaching and creating music. I usually spend about half of my week teaching, which I find both energizing and inspiring. Working with students keeps me engaged and constantly thinking about how to communicate musical ideas clearly and meaningfully. It’s very rewarding to watch them grow and to be part of that process.
The other half of my week is dedicated to my own artistic work. I spend time practicing, composing, and recording, which allows me to stay connected to the creative side of music. I enjoy having those quiet hours in the studio to experiment, refine new pieces, and explore new sounds or techniques. I feel that the teaching and the creative work complement each other really well. Teaching keeps me disciplined and reflective about my own musicianship, while composing and performing remind me of the joy and curiosity that originally drew me to music. I think it’s a great balance, and I feel very fortunate to have a routine that allows me to grow both as an educator and as an artist.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a musician and piano teacher from China. I began learning piano when I was six years old, and over time it became a lifelong way for me to express emotion and tell stories through sound. I later earned my doctoral degree in piano performance from the University of Memphis, where I deepened my understanding of how music can connect people across cultures and experiences.
My work focuses on New Age and neo-classical music, combining lyrical piano melodies with cinematic textures to create an atmosphere of reflection and emotion. I want my music to offer a sense of calm and inspiration, allowing listeners to find their own stories within the sound.
My single You Shine in the Breeze recently won the Best of Pangea – New Age Music category at the InterContinental Music Awards, which has been a truly meaningful recognition of my creative journey. Right now, I am preparing to release my new single, continuing my exploration of simplicity, emotion, and connection through the piano. I am very excited to share it soon.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I moved from China to the United States to study music. It was the first time I had left home for such a long period of time, and everything felt new and uncertain. Leaving my family and everything familiar behind was both exciting and frightening, but it also opened my eyes to how vast and diverse the world can be. I had to learn not only a new language but also how to express myself and connect with people in a completely different cultural environment. I often felt out of place and overwhelmed, but music became my bridge. It was through music that I found understanding and belonging, even when I could not find the right words to say. That experience taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of listening. It made me realize that communication goes far beyond language, and that genuine emotion can cross any boundary.
Over time, I began to see music as a universal language that carries the power to comfort, heal, and unite people. It taught me the quiet strength that comes from vulnerability and reminded me that openness and sincerity can lead to the most meaningful connections. That journey changed not only how I approach art but also how I live my life. It helped me see beauty in differences, value the courage it takes to start over, and hold gratitude for every experience that shapes who I am today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh, too many times to even count. I think every musician has those moments when you stare at the piano and think, “Maybe I should just become a barista instead.” There were days when nothing sounded right or when I felt completely stuck. But every time I reach that point, something small pulls me back. It might be a message from a listener, a student’s breakthrough, or simply sitting at the piano and remembering why I started. Those moments remind me that even when it is difficult, this path is still where I belong.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is humility. I grew up in an environment where people valued quiet effort more than loud success. That mindset has stayed with me. No matter what happens, I always remind myself to stay grounded, keep learning, and treat others with respect. Music is a lifelong journey, and there is always someone or something to learn from. I think real artistry comes from sincerity and openness, not from trying to prove how much you know.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I think I would regret not sharing my music with more people. For a long time, I was very focused on getting everything just right before letting anyone hear it. I kept waiting for the perfect piece, the perfect recording, the perfect timing. But over the years, I have realized that perfection is not what moves people. Honesty does. Music only truly lives when it reaches someone and makes them feel something.
I would regret keeping my work hidden out of fear or self-doubt. Every melody carries a story, and if I never share those stories, they disappear with me. Even if my music touches only one person, helps them through a hard day, or makes them pause and breathe for a moment, that means it has done its job. That is what I want to keep doing, to keep creating, sharing, and connecting through sound, even when it feels uncertain.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zixiaoyepiano.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Lazypianist
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Q1c2MgPioJ1U8fmTBmMGW?si=4n093FuYSGC7C2cAiNQJng
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lazypianist_official?lang=en
