Johanna Ye, a software engineer at Google, started taking piano lessons through CSMA’s Corporate Arts Program as a young adult. Through the program, CSMA offers art and music instruction directly to Silicon Valley tech employees at 5 locations during the workday.
After only 3 ½ years playing the piano, she passed the Associate of the Royal Conservatory in Toronto (ARCT) exam—a widely-recognized professional performers’ diploma—with First Class Honors. According to Carrie Campbell, Director of CSMA’s Music School, it is “quite remarkable to attain this level of achievement in such a short time.” Now, Ye splits her time between search engine development and performances as a classical pianist.
DID YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE ARTS OR TAKE CLASSES AS A CHILD?
I fell in love with the sound of piano at age 5, while my first kindergarten music teacher was accompanying our group singing lessons. My parents didn’t allow me to play due to our circumstances.
WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE MUSIC AS AN ADULT?
Shortly after I started at Google, a friend invited me to a local piano concert. The music shook me to the core and my first moment of affection with the piano when I was little came back like a flash. That moment was the reason I finally pursued learning the piano.
AT WHAT POINT IN YOUR LESSONS WITH CSMA AT GOOGLE DID YOU REALIZE YOU WANTED TO LEARN PIANO ON A MORE SERIOUS LEVEL?
During a practice session in my beginner days, I was working on Für Elise. (I’m still in love with my first pieces!) It struck me that within the 88 keys were such geometric and organic beauty, the crispness of touch, the vast variety of emotional language, the entire universe.
WHAT WAS THE PROCESS LIKE TO PREPARE FOR THE ARCT EXAM?
At a certain point in my musical development, I didn’t think of the hours and the drills as an option anymore. If I wanted to play at a professional level, I needed to get my diploma by passing the ARCT.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND MUSIC? HOW DO YOU FIND TIME TO PRACTICE?
When work responsibilities are heavy, I cut down on piano. It’s akin to walking on a tightrope. I’m extremely fortunate and grateful to have had understanding managers, supportive teachers and a few close friends who helped with this delicate dance.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER ADULTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO LEARN A NEW INSTRUMENT?
It’s not impossible! I had tons of self-doubt and tears wondering if starting at age 23 had automatically disqualified me from ever reaching the professional level. However, there are also unique advantages that come with being an adult beginner. We know more about how we learn best. We are usually better about time management. We are more familiar with analytical and interdisciplinary thinking.
It’s important to find the most suitable teacher at your stage of learning. It has to “feel right” beyond the musical side of the story. Deliberate Practice. Deliberate Practice. Deliberate Practice.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
Two books I appreciated about being an adult beginner were Guitar Zero by Gary Marcus and The Art of Possibilities by the Zanders. Marcus talks about mastering an instrument from the perspective of a psychology professor who himself picked up guitar as an adult. The Zanders share their unique worldview of limitless possibilities.
Follow Johanna on instagram @johannayeee
