It is only when she lifts her body to punctuate the notes of the Steinway that one becomes aware that within Steinway Artist Xiayin (pronounced sha-EEN) Wang’s petite frame lies a source of seemingly endless energy and power. Her passion for the piano may only be rivaled by her passion for music education.In between being interviewed by The Capital Times and her performance at Overture Center on February 25, 2010, Wang took the time to visit our gallery where she played nearly every piano and discussed her love of music and desire to share it with others.

Wang auditions Roland digital pianos during her visit to Steinway Piano Gallery of Madison

PG: You are incredibly active in promoting music education. What sparked that passion in you?

XW: There are a lot of younger people eager to know about and learn about music, to learn the beauty of being able to make music. Even if they do not choose to go the career path, knowing music will change their lives.

PG: What can you tell us about the piano teachers you have studied with?

XW: I am lucky to still have all of my teachers in my life. Each taught me a different way. A lot of the technical part I learned from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. The education system is very, very strict in China. My teacher was very firm with the training of technique, theory, (and) ear training. Like a tall building, you need a foundation.

When I came to the United States, it was a different system. At the Manhattan School of Music, they gave me much more opportunity to have my own style; create my own language. It was the right time to explore what I wanted to say with my music.

Xiayin Wang with Grant Billings

PG: As a student, teacher and concert artist, what would you want to say to piano teachers?

XW: If you enjoy doing this there will be much to be learned from your students. Even my youngest students taught me something I did not know about myself. It’s fun.

PG: And what advice would you offer students?

XW: You should practice, practice, practice, as much as you can, but I think that balance is very important. Have fun time, but get your fingers on the piano every day. You will not notice the difference until you get older, but now is when the foundation is built.

Keep in mind that learning the piano is supposed to be hard; there needs to be a sacrifice. I wanted to go to the movies with my friends when I was a kid, but my mother said, “piano bench, piano bench, go back..”

PG: And now you thank her?

XW: Now I thank her, but not enough. I can thank her to the end of the world, absolutely.

Learn more about Xiayin Wang at her website