Collaborative Pianist

Pianist Yurong “Ria” Yang, enjoys solo performance and various collaboration with musicians. She currently studies collaborative piano at the University of Maryland, where she works alongside UMD instrumental and vocal divisions. She also served as the collaborative pianist for the Aspen Music Festival and School Concerto Competition Clarinet Division in 2019. She was the winner of Concerto Competition at Northern Illinois University School of Music in 2015. 

Her recent engagements include UMD Symphony Orchestra concerts, Wind Orchestra concerts, Wind Ensemble concerts, Chamber Music Recital at the Collaborative Piano  Institute (LA), the virtual concert “Balcony Bar from Home” for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Riverdale Park Virtual Artist Showcase”, virtual concert for “Music for Autism”, Spotlight Recital and Chamber Music Concerts at the Aspen Music Festival and School (Colorado), Zodiac Music Festival (La Bolline, France), Young Artist Concerts at the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival (WA), Concerto Competition Winners Concert at Northern Illinois University (IL).

In addition to music performance, Ria is passionate about piano teaching. She was a piano instructor at Northern Illinois University Community School of Arts and piano faculty at Viva! Performing Art Studio in Dixon, Illinois. She also taught undergraduate group piano class at Northern Illinois University. Her teaching philosophy centers around fostering an environment where her students can continually experience growth in their musical, intellectual, and emotional dimensions. While emphasizing creativity, interpretation, persistence and problem-solving, she aspires to empower her students to become increasingly self-reliant as their progress in their musical journey. Her goal is to nurture well-rounded musicians who not only excel in technical aspects but also embrace the transformative power of music in their lives.  Ria is a member of the Music Teacher National Association (MTNA).