Individuals Engaged
In the world of classical music, it's not uncommon to find pianists with diverse backgrounds and interests. From academia to science and technology, these professionals showcase a unique blend of talents that make their stories captivating.
Pianists with Academic Ties to Science and Technology
Jonathan Shih: A Musical and Technological Mind
Jonathan Shih, a product designer at a small startup, is one such example. Shih has performed live on 98.7 WFMT and was a finalist in the 2024 WIPAC competition, earning special awards for "Best Classical Performance" and "Most Imaginative Programming". Beyond his musical prowess, Shih holds a degree in computer science, having built wireless and wireline networks for telecommunication companies.
Eric Tran: Bridging STEM and Music
Another notable figure is Eric Tran, a concert pianist with a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the Mead Witter School of Music. Tran's academic background links him to a strong academic environment that includes science/technology disciplines, having graduated from Stanford University, a leading institution in these fields.
Nikol Bóková: A Multifaceted Artist
Nikol Bóková, a pianist and composer, also stands out due to her multifaceted background. Her artistic work integrates diverse intellectual domains, including science-related themes, indicating a creative synthesis between music and technological or scientific culture.
Pianists with Unconventional Careers
Diana Cusano: Chemistry and Piano
Diana Cusano, who discovered she had perfect pitch, has a background in chemistry and epidemiology. After a career at Humana as Director of Population Health Analytics, Cusano is now studying piano as an amateur.
Yuchao Zhou: Software Engineer Turned Pianist
Yuchao Zhou, a software engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, is another example of an unconventional pianist. Despite lacking formal music education, Zhou performed the 2nd movement of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 at the 2024 California Concerto Festival for Amateur Pianists.
Robert Finley: An Electronics Engineer's Musical Journey
Retired electronics engineer Robert Finley began playing the piano at age seven and studied at Trinity College of Music in London. He has performed in many countries and founded the Boston Piano Amateurs Association.
Rita Luo: Returning to the Piano after Years Away
Rita Luo, who re-started piano lessons in 2023 after many years focusing on her professional and family life, is another inspiring figure. Luo performed with the Fort Worth symphony Orchestra in PianoTexas festival that same year as one of winners of the concerto competition.
These examples demonstrate that the intersection of music and science or technology is not limited to academia. From software engineers to electronics engineers, these individuals have found a way to combine their passions and create a unique blend of talents. While direct case studies of pianists who had formal careers in science or technology before or along with their piano careers are somewhat rare, these examples serve as a testament to the versatility and adaptability of those who choose to pursue both paths.
- Jonathan Shih and Eric Tran, both pianists, demonstrate a unique blend of education in classical music and academic fields like computer science and science/technology, respectively, signifying their commitment to both personal growth and education-and-self-development.
- Rita Luo, a software engineer by profession, returned to the piano after many years and performed with the Fort Worth symphony Orchestra, showcasing her ability to balance entertainment with ongoing learning in music.
