news | Lillian Yee

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About a month ago, I went to a classical guitar workshop for composers led by Aaron Larget-Caplan (@alcguitar ) and facilitated by Ken Ueno (@djmoderne ) at UC Berkeley. It sparked something in me—I hadn’t seriously written for guitar since around 2013, when someone said one of my pieces sounded like it was written by a pianist (which, to be fair, it was).

Writing for instruments you don’t play is tough. No matter how much you study, translating ideas into something idiomatic isn’t always easy. That’s where collaboration can be especially helpful—it opens a dialogue and brings the music to life in a new way.

After the workshop, I spoke with Aaron about the challenges of building a music career. I asked why the business side of being a musician is rarely discussed in school. He responded with such grace, sharing that being a musician often means being an entrepreneur: carving your own path.

That conversation stayed with me. Aaron’s career—rooted in intention, creativity, and collaboration—reminded me that there isn’t one “right” way to do this. It helped me reflect on the kind of artist I want to be and how I want to shape my life. Not all musicians are called to teaching, and how much time you dedicate to each slice of the pie depends on your livelihood and unique circumstances, sustainability, your energy, and personal preferences.

As someone who navigates a lot internally, I’m learning the importance of being my own advocate, my own cheerleader, and also allowing myself to ask for help. Growing up stereotypically Asian American, I was often raised to insert myself into society by working at some company where the goals were straightforward and clearly defined. Being an entrepreneur—especially as a musician—is anything but that.

Thank you, Aaron, for encouraging me to return to writing for guitar. I’m excited to see what unfolds next. Please check out his work—he’s a generous and wildly talented human.

#livingcomposer #aaronlargetcaplan #guitar #musicbusiness #composerlife #composer #artistentrepreneur #lifepath

About a month ago, I went to a classical guitar workshop for composers led by Aaron Larget-Caplan (@alcguitar ) and facilitated by Ken Ueno (@djmoderne ) at UC Berkeley. It sparked something in me—I hadn’t seriously written for guitar since around 2013, when someone said one of my pieces sounded like it was written by a pianist (which, to be fair, it was).

Writing for instruments you don’t play is tough. No matter how much you study, translating ideas into something idiomatic isn’t always easy. That’s where collaboration can be especially helpful—it opens a dialogue and brings the music to life in a new way.

After the workshop, I spoke with Aaron about the challenges of building a music career. I asked why the business side of being a musician is rarely discussed in school. He responded with such grace, sharing that being a musician often means being an entrepreneur: carving your own path.

That conversation stayed with me. Aaron’s career—rooted in intention, creativity, and collaboration—reminded me that there isn’t one “right” way to do this. It helped me reflect on the kind of artist I want to be and how I want to shape my life. Not all musicians are called to teaching, and how much time you dedicate to each slice of the pie depends on your livelihood and unique circumstances, sustainability, your energy, and personal preferences.

As someone who navigates a lot internally, I’m learning the importance of being my own advocate, my own cheerleader, and also allowing myself to ask for help. Growing up stereotypically Asian American, I was often raised to insert myself into society by working at some company where the goals were straightforward and clearly defined. Being an entrepreneur—especially as a musician—is anything but that.

Thank you, Aaron, for encouraging me to return to writing for guitar. I’m excited to see what unfolds next. Please check out his work—he’s a generous and wildly talented human.

#livingcomposer #aaronlargetcaplan #guitar #musicbusiness #composerlife #composer #artistentrepreneur #lifepath

Sometimes you have no gigs for a few weeks (but still are busy) and then 6 gigs back to back all in one week.

I really am grateful to have had the opportunity to premiere a newly finished piece this past week titled, “The Fragmentation of Man” for piano trio and percussion just in time and in alignment to celebrating women’s history month. I collaborated with some pretty cool women, played some gigs with some of my favorite music uncles, made some new friends. I’m moving forward with my on-boarding process with a new job and finally have some time to focus on some important life stuff.

It’s been a wild ride to say the least and I’m looking forward to centering in and doing some important maintenance. Some of you out there have been really kind to me in times of need and I really appreciate it. Thank you for this community and I look forward to keeping you all up-to-date on all the artsy things I do.

Until then, thank you for supporting living composers and local artists! Videos of the recent premiere will be posted soon and please give @womencomposerscollective a follow if you’re interested.

💜🖤🎶🙏✨🌙

Sometimes you have no gigs for a few weeks (but still are busy) and then 6 gigs back to back all in one week.

I really am grateful to have had the opportunity to premiere a newly finished piece this past week titled, “The Fragmentation of Man” for piano trio and percussion just in time and in alignment to celebrating women’s history month. I collaborated with some pretty cool women, played some gigs with some of my favorite music uncles, made some new friends. I’m moving forward with my on-boarding process with a new job and finally have some time to focus on some important life stuff.

It’s been a wild ride to say the least and I’m looking forward to centering in and doing some important maintenance. Some of you out there have been really kind to me in times of need and I really appreciate it. Thank you for this community and I look forward to keeping you all up-to-date on all the artsy things I do.

Until then, thank you for supporting living composers and local artists! Videos of the recent premiere will be posted soon and please give @womencomposerscollective a follow if you’re interested.

💜🖤🎶🙏✨🌙

Just put the finishing touches on “The Fragmentation of Man”! To be performed by the talented @irenesazer on violin, @jessicamivry on cello and @rebecca_hass on piano ✨🎶

I cannot WAIT to have this performed (and to be performing percussion while conducting) at @throckmortontheatre in Mill Valley at the end of this month on Wed, March 26! The concert is FREE and at NOON but!! You must reserve your seat.

For more info, visit the link in my bio. More to come!!

♥️,
Lillian

#lillianyeemusic #sfbayarea #bayarealivemusic #livingcomposer #composer #aapi #contemporarymusic #pianotrio #piano #violin #cello #womencomposers #womeninmusic #womeninarts #classicalmusicians #throckmorton #throckmortontheatre #millvalley #novatocalifornia

Just put the finishing touches on “The Fragmentation of Man”! To be performed by the talented @irenesazer on violin, @jessicamivry on cello and @rebecca_hass on piano ✨🎶

I cannot WAIT to have this performed (and to be performing percussion while conducting) at @throckmortontheatre in Mill Valley at the end of this month on Wed, March 26! The concert is FREE and at NOON but!! You must reserve your seat.

For more info, visit the link in my bio. More to come!!

♥️,
Lillian

#lillianyeemusic #sfbayarea #bayarealivemusic #livingcomposer #composer #aapi #contemporarymusic #pianotrio #piano #violin #cello #womencomposers #womeninmusic #womeninarts #classicalmusicians #throckmorton #throckmortontheatre #millvalley #novatocalifornia

Here’s a rehearsal clip of my piece, “The Fragmentation of Man” for piano trio and percussion played by Irene Sazer (@irenesazer ) on violin, Jessica Ivry (@jessicamivry ) on cello, and Rebecca Hass (@rebecca_hass ) on piano and, of course, with a much welcomed visit from @tsukitcat . This piece will be featured on a program full of talented women composers in the spirit of Women’s History Month including works by D’Arcy Reynolds (@darcyreynoldsmusic ), Rebecca, Irene, and myself.

We are very lucky to be able to play this program twice!

SHOWINGS -

142 Throckmorton Theatre (@throckmortontheatre )
Mill Valley, CA
Wednesday, 12 PM, March 26, 2025
🎟️ free admission with suggested donation
🔗 link in bio

House Concert (SOLD OUT • LIVE-STREAM AVAILABLE)
Novato, CA
Sunday, 3 PM, March 30, 2025
🔗 live-stream link coming soon

I cannot wait for the opportunity to have this piece performed. I will go into the backstory of it in the coming posts. Stay tuned!

If you’d like to keep up to date with my performances or the projects I’m in, I have a newsletter! Go to lillianyee.com to sign up or DM me your email address.

#lillianyeemusic #sfbayarea #bayarealivemusic #livingcomposer #composer #aapi #contemporarymusic #pianotrio #piano #violin #cello #womencomposers #womeninmusic #womeninarts #classicalmusicians #throckmorton #throckmortontheatre #millvalley #novatocalifornia

Here’s a rehearsal clip of my piece, “The Fragmentation of Man” for piano trio and percussion played by Irene Sazer (@irenesazer ) on violin, Jessica Ivry (@jessicamivry ) on cello, and Rebecca Hass (@rebecca_hass ) on piano and, of course, with a much welcomed visit from @tsukitcat . This piece will be featured on a program full of talented women composers in the spirit of Women’s History Month including works by D’Arcy Reynolds (@darcyreynoldsmusic ), Rebecca, Irene, and myself.

We are very lucky to be able to play this program twice!

SHOWINGS -

142 Throckmorton Theatre (@throckmortontheatre )
Mill Valley, CA
Wednesday, 12 PM, March 26, 2025
🎟️ free admission with suggested donation
🔗 link in bio

House Concert (SOLD OUT • LIVE-STREAM AVAILABLE)
Novato, CA
Sunday, 3 PM, March 30, 2025
🔗 live-stream link coming soon

I cannot wait for the opportunity to have this piece performed. I will go into the backstory of it in the coming posts. Stay tuned!

If you’d like to keep up to date with my performances or the projects I’m in, I have a newsletter! Go to lillianyee.com to sign up or DM me your email address.

#lillianyeemusic #sfbayarea #bayarealivemusic #livingcomposer #composer #aapi #contemporarymusic #pianotrio #piano #violin #cello #womencomposers #womeninmusic #womeninarts #classicalmusicians #throckmorton #throckmortontheatre #millvalley #novatocalifornia

Friendly reminder: take care of your mental health. It’s really important.

🖤🙏🫂

Friendly reminder: take care of your mental health. It’s really important.

🖤🙏🫂

Ah... Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes and kind messages. ❤ I'm 34 now! Yay!

NOTICE:
I've celebrated too hard and have lost my phone! If you need to contact me... send a pigeon.

If you have an iPhone, I will still receive your texts through my computer. Otherwise... all you android/other users will have to email me until I retrieve it or get a new one.

Ah... Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes and kind messages. ❤ I'm 34 now! Yay!

NOTICE:
I've celebrated too hard and have lost my phone! If you need to contact me... send a pigeon.

If you have an iPhone, I will still receive your texts through my computer. Otherwise... all you android/other users will have to email me until I retrieve it or get a new one.

🎺 Tune In for a Special Performance! 🎺

I’m thrilled to announce that Axiom Brass will be performing my brass quintet, Miracles of The Human Condition, live on the radio! Join us for this exciting broadcast on @soundsclassicalwfmt , a renowned classical radio station based in Chicago with an audience of over 500,000 weekly listeners.

📻 Live from WFMT
- Date: February 24, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. CST | 6 p.m. PST | 9 p.m. EST
- Station: WFMT, Chicago
- Stream Online: 🔗 The link to stream the radio show will be in my bio.

I am truly humbled by the opportunity to hear Axiom Brass perform my piece and discuss their upcoming project on such a prestigious platform. Axiom Brass is eager to bring this special piece to life, and we’re honored to be featured on WFMT.

🎶 Mark your calendars and tune in for an unforgettable evening of music! 🎶

About Axiom Brass:
Axiom Brass, based in Chicago and celebrated for their innovative programming, creates imaginative concerts that blend contemporary works by living composers like Augusta Read Thomas with classics and tangos by Astor Piazzolla. They have performed internationally and are noted for their educational efforts, tailoring workshops and residencies, and are the only brass ensemble to win the Fischoff Educator Award. In 2021, they made history by releasing “Astor”, the first brass quintet album dedicated entirely to Piazzolla’s music, while continuing to support “living music” by engaging with current composers.

Follow them on Instagram at @axiom_brass

#lillianyeemusic #axiombrass #wfmt #classicalmusic #classicalmusicradio #brassquintet #tuba #horn #trombone #trumpet #flugelhorn #composition #composer #livingcomposer #womancomposer #contemporarymusic #chicago #miraclesofthehumancondition

🎺 Tune In for a Special Performance! 🎺

I’m thrilled to announce that Axiom Brass will be performing my brass quintet, Miracles of The Human Condition, live on the radio! Join us for this exciting broadcast on @soundsclassicalwfmt , a renowned classical radio station based in Chicago with an audience of over 500,000 weekly listeners.

📻 Live from WFMT
- Date: February 24, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. CST | 6 p.m. PST | 9 p.m. EST
- Station: WFMT, Chicago
- Stream Online: 🔗 The link to stream the radio show will be in my bio.

I am truly humbled by the opportunity to hear Axiom Brass perform my piece and discuss their upcoming project on such a prestigious platform. Axiom Brass is eager to bring this special piece to life, and we’re honored to be featured on WFMT.

🎶 Mark your calendars and tune in for an unforgettable evening of music! 🎶

About Axiom Brass:
Axiom Brass, based in Chicago and celebrated for their innovative programming, creates imaginative concerts that blend contemporary works by living composers like Augusta Read Thomas with classics and tangos by Astor Piazzolla. They have performed internationally and are noted for their educational efforts, tailoring workshops and residencies, and are the only brass ensemble to win the Fischoff Educator Award. In 2021, they made history by releasing “Astor”, the first brass quintet album dedicated entirely to Piazzolla’s music, while continuing to support “living music” by engaging with current composers.

Follow them on Instagram at @axiom_brass

#lillianyeemusic #axiombrass #wfmt #classicalmusic #classicalmusicradio #brassquintet #tuba #horn #trombone #trumpet #flugelhorn #composition #composer #livingcomposer #womancomposer #contemporarymusic #chicago #miraclesofthehumancondition

Radio Broadcast of “Miracles of The Human Condition” for brass quintet is now LIVE.

In case you missed it, check out the radio show featuring Calliope Brass’s rendition of my quintet piece, “Miracles of the Human Condition,” from their newly released album, “Second Nature.” @calliopebrass

This recording aired on the program “Modern Notebook” on Florida’s classical music station, Classical WSMR, narrated by Tyler Kline on January 12, 2025. 📻 @classicalwsmr @sound_assembler

I’m honored they reached out to both me and Calliope Brass. 🙏

Watch the full video on my YouTube channel! Link in bio. 📽️

#miraclesofthehumancondition #calliopebrass #modernnotebook #wsmr #classicalradio #contemporarymusic #lillianyee #lillianyeemusic #composer #trumpet #flugelhorn #horn #trombone #tuba #brassquintet #composition #livingcomposer #samba #impressionism #womancomposer #womeninmusic

Radio Broadcast of “Miracles of The Human Condition” for brass quintet is now LIVE.

In case you missed it, check out the radio show featuring Calliope Brass’s rendition of my quintet piece, “Miracles of the Human Condition,” from their newly released album, “Second Nature.” @calliopebrass

This recording aired on the program “Modern Notebook” on Florida’s classical music station, Classical WSMR, narrated by Tyler Kline on January 12, 2025. 📻 @classicalwsmr @sound_assembler

I’m honored they reached out to both me and Calliope Brass. 🙏

Watch the full video on my YouTube channel! Link in bio. 📽️

#miraclesofthehumancondition #calliopebrass #modernnotebook #wsmr #classicalradio #contemporarymusic #lillianyee #lillianyeemusic #composer #trumpet #flugelhorn #horn #trombone #tuba #brassquintet #composition #livingcomposer #samba #impressionism #womancomposer #womeninmusic

Excited to play these two gigs this week on February 11 (@balboacafesf ) at 7pm and 15 (@cheeseboardcoll ) at 11:30am with these lovely musicians. Come by and say hi!

@noam_eisen
@etsiegel56
@thorne162677
@balboacafesf
@cheeseboardcoll

#bayarea #sfbayarea #sflivemusic #jazz #brazilianmusic #antoniocarlosjobim

Excited to play these two gigs this week on February 11 (@balboacafesf ) at 7pm and 15 (@cheeseboardcoll ) at 11:30am with these lovely musicians. Come by and say hi!

@noam_eisen
@etsiegel56
@thorne162677
@balboacafesf
@cheeseboardcoll

#bayarea #sfbayarea #sflivemusic #jazz #brazilianmusic #antoniocarlosjobim

✨🙋🏻‍♀️🎶✍️
I’m thrilled to announce the Bay Area premiere of my newly arranged piece, “The Fragmentation of Man.” Originally composed during my time in Germany, where it had its first premiere, this work was crafted for clarinet, violin, cello, and percussion. It will now be brought to life by an incredible ensemble of talented local musicians—all of whom are remarkable women!

“In honor of women’s history month, four award winning Bay Area women composers present their globally diverse piano trios. You will travel to Argentina, Brazil, Asia, and Africa as you listen to these innovative new works by composers D’Arcy Reynolds (@darcyreynoldsmusic ), Lillian Yee, Rebecca Hass (@rebecca_hass ), and Irene Sazer (@irenesazer ), performed by a powerhouse piano trio of composer/ world music aficionados: Irene Sazer, violin; Jessica Ivry (@jessicamivry ), cello; Rebecca Hass, piano.”

Join us for a special house concert celebrating the vibrant contributions of living, local women composers. I’m particularly excited to not only conduct this piece but also to take on the challenge of playing percussion while conducting.

Don’t miss this unique event!

🔗Secure your tickets through the link in my bio.

Location: Novato, California (exact address provided upon ticket purchase)
Date and Time: Sunday, March 30, at 3 PM
Tickets: $30, advance purchase only, as seating is limited

Come and be part of this celebration!

#livingcomposers #womencomposers #contemporarymusic #sfbayarea #livemusic #composer #bayareacomposers #lillianyeemusic #pianotrio #piano #cello #violin #composition #womencomposerscollective #classicalmusic #novatoca #womeninmusic

✨🙋🏻‍♀️🎶✍️
I’m thrilled to announce the Bay Area premiere of my newly arranged piece, “The Fragmentation of Man.” Originally composed during my time in Germany, where it had its first premiere, this work was crafted for clarinet, violin, cello, and percussion. It will now be brought to life by an incredible ensemble of talented local musicians—all of whom are remarkable women!

“In honor of women’s history month, four award winning Bay Area women composers present their globally diverse piano trios. You will travel to Argentina, Brazil, Asia, and Africa as you listen to these innovative new works by composers D’Arcy Reynolds (@darcyreynoldsmusic ), Lillian Yee, Rebecca Hass (@rebecca_hass ), and Irene Sazer (@irenesazer ), performed by a powerhouse piano trio of composer/ world music aficionados: Irene Sazer, violin; Jessica Ivry (@jessicamivry ), cello; Rebecca Hass, piano.”

Join us for a special house concert celebrating the vibrant contributions of living, local women composers. I’m particularly excited to not only conduct this piece but also to take on the challenge of playing percussion while conducting.

Don’t miss this unique event!

🔗Secure your tickets through the link in my bio.

Location: Novato, California (exact address provided upon ticket purchase)
Date and Time: Sunday, March 30, at 3 PM
Tickets: $30, advance purchase only, as seating is limited

Come and be part of this celebration!

#livingcomposers #womencomposers #contemporarymusic #sfbayarea #livemusic #composer #bayareacomposers #lillianyeemusic #pianotrio #piano #cello #violin #composition #womencomposerscollective #classicalmusic #novatoca #womeninmusic

what a big bean. my boy. what pause you bring to chaos.

his name is dmitri.

#anastasia

what a big bean. my boy. what pause you bring to chaos.

his name is dmitri.

#anastasia

🌹𝑭𝙚𝒃𝙧𝒖𝙖𝒓𝙮 𝙀𝒗𝙚𝒏𝙩𝒔✨

𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰/ 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐛𝐲:
My voice and I will be sitting in on a number of tunes with @noam_eisen and his band, @radiogatsby , known for their eclectic style based in swing, R&B, and pop classics. Shout out to my talented friend @alfarowoodwinds whom I’m excited to hear play clarinet/sax. @whiterabbitbarsf

𝐖/ 𝐍𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐄𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧, 𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨:
It’s a pleasure to accompany and be accompanied by the lovely Non on piano at the beautiful Balboa Café in San Francisco. Enjoy dinner and cocktails with us serenading you in the background. @balboacafesf

𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞:
I’m excited to play with the band again. Eric Seigel on piano, Rick Pollack on guitar, Brad Howell on bass, and myself on vocals and melodica. We are currently called Brazilian Vibe and will be playing a large set list of Antonio Carlos Jobim and other favorites at the Cheeseboard in Berkeley in the historic Gourmet Ghetto. @cheeseboardcoll

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭:
I’ll be joining The Brazilian Project again in their monthly installment at Chez Mansour. Come for the wine and Lebanese food, leave romanced. The usual suspects will be playing: Rick Pollack on guitar, Jim Thorne on drums, me on vocals and melodica, and others. 1369 Solano Ave, Albany, CA - 7 to 9pm.

#sfbayarea #sflivemusic #eastbaylivemusic #albanyca #berkeleyca #sf #lillianyeemusic #jazz #brazilianmusic #balboacafe #chezmansour #whiterabbitsf #cheeseboardcollective #bayarealivemusic

🌹𝑭𝙚𝒃𝙧𝒖𝙖𝒓𝙮 𝙀𝒗𝙚𝒏𝙩𝒔✨

𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰/ 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐛𝐲:
My voice and I will be sitting in on a number of tunes with @noam_eisen and his band, @radiogatsby , known for their eclectic style based in swing, R&B, and pop classics. Shout out to my talented friend @alfarowoodwinds whom I’m excited to hear play clarinet/sax. @whiterabbitbarsf

𝐖/ 𝐍𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐄𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧, 𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨:
It’s a pleasure to accompany and be accompanied by the lovely Non on piano at the beautiful Balboa Café in San Francisco. Enjoy dinner and cocktails with us serenading you in the background. @balboacafesf

𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞:
I’m excited to play with the band again. Eric Seigel on piano, Rick Pollack on guitar, Brad Howell on bass, and myself on vocals and melodica. We are currently called Brazilian Vibe and will be playing a large set list of Antonio Carlos Jobim and other favorites at the Cheeseboard in Berkeley in the historic Gourmet Ghetto. @cheeseboardcoll

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭:
I’ll be joining The Brazilian Project again in their monthly installment at Chez Mansour. Come for the wine and Lebanese food, leave romanced. The usual suspects will be playing: Rick Pollack on guitar, Jim Thorne on drums, me on vocals and melodica, and others. 1369 Solano Ave, Albany, CA - 7 to 9pm.

#sfbayarea #sflivemusic #eastbaylivemusic #albanyca #berkeleyca #sf #lillianyeemusic #jazz #brazilianmusic #balboacafe #chezmansour #whiterabbitsf #cheeseboardcollective #bayarealivemusic

There are times when I suffer from lack of sleep and my thoughts are much too much and much too busy with the many things I am convinced I have to do, different ways to manage a neurodivergent life and other mundane happenings. And though those things affect me, it’s usually mostly the people I care about and certain special relationships fading away or are sprouting that take up most of my energetic space.

As I recently laid awake in the dark, managing a 101F/38.4C fever having no choice but to listen to my body yelling at me telling me to rest and take care of myself - I remember that I am an organic creature on this earth and I too have cycles and seasons like the trees, oceans and skies. I’ve had to say goodbye to some of the most precious things I’ve held dear in the past few years and grieved dreams for a future I hoped to nurture only to witness it crumble before me. Finding myself awake in the blue hour of the morning and likewise suspended in the blue of dusk, the comfort found in this solitude has embraced my hollow shell where in which I find this grief overwhelming. As Mitski so well put it, I’ve taken the time again to learn to love the littler things. And to add a friendly reminder that nothing in this world is for certain except for the fact that uncertainty is unwaveringly certain.

……………..

Read the rest in the comments. ⬇️

……………..

#honoryourself #healing #lillianyeemusic #healingthroughart #livingcomposer #lightworkersofinstagram #seasonsoflife #interconnection #selfcare #hsp

There are times when I suffer from lack of sleep and my thoughts are much too much and much too busy with the many things I am convinced I have to do, different ways to manage a neurodivergent life and other mundane happenings. And though those things affect me, it’s usually mostly the people I care about and certain special relationships fading away or are sprouting that take up most of my energetic space.

As I recently laid awake in the dark, managing a 101F/38.4C fever having no choice but to listen to my body yelling at me telling me to rest and take care of myself - I remember that I am an organic creature on this earth and I too have cycles and seasons like the trees, oceans and skies. I’ve had to say goodbye to some of the most precious things I’ve held dear in the past few years and grieved dreams for a future I hoped to nurture only to witness it crumble before me. Finding myself awake in the blue hour of the morning and likewise suspended in the blue of dusk, the comfort found in this solitude has embraced my hollow shell where in which I find this grief overwhelming. As Mitski so well put it, I’ve taken the time again to learn to love the littler things. And to add a friendly reminder that nothing in this world is for certain except for the fact that uncertainty is unwaveringly certain.

……………..

Read the rest in the comments. ⬇️

……………..

#honoryourself #healing #lillianyeemusic #healingthroughart #livingcomposer #lightworkersofinstagram #seasonsoflife #interconnection #selfcare #hsp

Live in 5 minutes at 5:00pm PST/8:00pm EST!

Check out my composition “Miracles of The Human Condition” for brass quintet (2021) on @classicalwsmr . This is from @calliopebrass ’ recently released album “Second Nature”. Inspired by impressionism and Brazilian music.

Live-stream link: https://www.wusf.org/classical

Link is also in the linktr.ee link in my bio.

#livingcomposer #lillianyeemusic #brassquintet #classicalwsmr #composer #calliopebrass #trumpet #flugelhorn #tuba #trombone #frenchhorn #aapi #contemporarymusic #modernnotebook

Live in 5 minutes at 5:00pm PST/8:00pm EST!

Check out my composition “Miracles of The Human Condition” for brass quintet (2021) on @classicalwsmr . This is from @calliopebrass ’ recently released album “Second Nature”. Inspired by impressionism and Brazilian music.

Live-stream link: https://www.wusf.org/classical

Link is also in the linktr.ee link in my bio.

#livingcomposer #lillianyeemusic #brassquintet #classicalwsmr #composer #calliopebrass #trumpet #flugelhorn #tuba #trombone #frenchhorn #aapi #contemporarymusic #modernnotebook

I’m excited to share some news! In 2021, I was asked by a group of brass quintets, including @calliopebrass from NYC, to write a piece inspired by Impressionism and Brazilian music. In January 2024, Calliope Brass told me they were recording an album, and I’m happy to say their new album, “Second Nature,” came out in November 2024. I’m proud to be one of the composers featured. It’s a great album, and I encourage you to check it out!

“Miracles of the Human Condition,” will be performed on Classical WSMR radio (@classicalwsmr ) in Florida with host, Tyler Kline (@sound_assembler ) on the program The Modern Notebook on January 12 at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST this Sunday via livestream. I will provide a link in my bio.

The album is available now and you can also hear my piece on the radio show.

Thanks to Calliope Brass for including me on the album. Please support “Second Nature” and enjoy music from today’s classical artists and composers.

#lillianyeemusic #lillianyee #calliopebrass #secondnaturealbum #newalbum #contemporarymusic #livingcomposer #classicalwsmr #themodernnotebook #tylerkline #brassquintet #trumpet #flugelhorn #frenchhorn #trombone #tuba #impressionism #inspiredbybrazil #classicalmusic #classicalradio

I’m excited to share some news! In 2021, I was asked by a group of brass quintets, including @calliopebrass from NYC, to write a piece inspired by Impressionism and Brazilian music. In January 2024, Calliope Brass told me they were recording an album, and I’m happy to say their new album, “Second Nature,” came out in November 2024. I’m proud to be one of the composers featured. It’s a great album, and I encourage you to check it out!

“Miracles of the Human Condition,” will be performed on Classical WSMR radio (@classicalwsmr ) in Florida with host, Tyler Kline (@sound_assembler ) on the program The Modern Notebook on January 12 at 5 PM PST / 8 PM EST this Sunday via livestream. I will provide a link in my bio.

The album is available now and you can also hear my piece on the radio show.

Thanks to Calliope Brass for including me on the album. Please support “Second Nature” and enjoy music from today’s classical artists and composers.

#lillianyeemusic #lillianyee #calliopebrass #secondnaturealbum #newalbum #contemporarymusic #livingcomposer #classicalwsmr #themodernnotebook #tylerkline #brassquintet #trumpet #flugelhorn #frenchhorn #trombone #tuba #impressionism #inspiredbybrazil #classicalmusic #classicalradio

Hello everybody, my name is Lillian Yee, and I am a musician from California’s San Francisco Bay Area.

I’m a composer of contemporary classical music, an indie pop artist, an arranger, a jazz and Brazilian music performer, and a therapeutic musician trainee (CMP or Certified Music Practitioner - different from a music therapist). Many of you probably know me for my singing, as I often perform in restaurants and bars.

My music is posted on different platforms and you’ll hear different things on my SoundCloud versus my YouTube channel. However, you can find everything, including my 2020 debut single, all in one place on my website, which is lillianyee.com and you can access this website via the link in my bio as well. And if you’re interested, I have a mailing list that pops up on my website as well. Give it a visit!

On this account, you will find stories and posts about my career, my life as a musician, information about the shows I’m playing, the pieces I write, and the occasional selfie or photos of my fur children (Anatolia & Dmitri). I’m passionate about Asian and Asian American representation, women empowerment, and healing through the arts. For more content, give me a follow.

Tchau for nyao!✨🐱🖤
- Lillian

#lillianyeemusic #livingcomposer #aapi #sfbayarea #sfbayareaartist #womancomposer #womeninthearts #composer

Hello everybody, my name is Lillian Yee, and I am a musician from California’s San Francisco Bay Area.

I’m a composer of contemporary classical music, an indie pop artist, an arranger, a jazz and Brazilian music performer, and a therapeutic musician trainee (CMP or Certified Music Practitioner - different from a music therapist). Many of you probably know me for my singing, as I often perform in restaurants and bars.

My music is posted on different platforms and you’ll hear different things on my SoundCloud versus my YouTube channel. However, you can find everything, including my 2020 debut single, all in one place on my website, which is lillianyee.com and you can access this website via the link in my bio as well. And if you’re interested, I have a mailing list that pops up on my website as well. Give it a visit!

On this account, you will find stories and posts about my career, my life as a musician, information about the shows I’m playing, the pieces I write, and the occasional selfie or photos of my fur children (Anatolia & Dmitri). I’m passionate about Asian and Asian American representation, women empowerment, and healing through the arts. For more content, give me a follow.

Tchau for nyao!✨🐱🖤
- Lillian

#lillianyeemusic #livingcomposer #aapi #sfbayarea #sfbayareaartist #womancomposer #womeninthearts #composer

What a crazy year.

On New Year’s Day yesterday, I spent my solitude putting together charts and hand-binding a book (binding a book is very time consuming).

I thought about everything that’s happened since the start of 2024, lessons I’ve learned… people I’d met and kept in my life and people who faded away only to turn up again at another cafe, street corner, concert. New opportunities of growth and different points of view gained. 2024 was an uncomfortable year for me, which is a sign I’ve grown. 2024 was the year I had said NO the most I’ve ever said it in my life and because of that, abundance of the things that truly were meant for me manifested. 2024 was the year I discovered what it really felt like to begin having a more intentional relationship with having gumption and truly embodying it.

Many of you know me as a this and that (composer, singer, therapeutic musician, etc.) and at the end of the day, I’m just a soul in a meat suit wandering the earth collecting air hoping for meaningful connection, a good laugh and widening perspective. In the end, despite any grievances and dark night of the souls, we’re just trying our best to do right by ourselves and of others we care about.

2025 is now here. I’m again excited by the prospects of being more soul aligned. I’m feeling energized by my connection with my tribe, my spirit and the cosmos. I don’t know and don’t care to know how this all ends up because I have faith that wherever I land is where I’ll need to be. I want to trust that whatever forces that guide us will help carry, nurture and grow the seeds we’ve planted. So here’s to 2025, to the unknown and owning my mistakes, to trusting the process, to getting enough quality rest, enough long hugs, to enjoy sitting in stillness and truly listening for inner wisdom, truth and authenticity. To the breath and the power of air and wind. To right community. To humor and full-bellied laughter. To healing and love. To being more attuned with my body and rejoice in the gift of being alive!

Happy New Year to those who celebrate. Onwards!

❤️‍🔥🕯️🖤✨🪷🙏🪴✨🤍🕯️❤️‍🔥

What a crazy year.

On New Year’s Day yesterday, I spent my solitude putting together charts and hand-binding a book (binding a book is very time consuming).

I thought about everything that’s happened since the start of 2024, lessons I’ve learned… people I’d met and kept in my life and people who faded away only to turn up again at another cafe, street corner, concert. New opportunities of growth and different points of view gained. 2024 was an uncomfortable year for me, which is a sign I’ve grown. 2024 was the year I had said NO the most I’ve ever said it in my life and because of that, abundance of the things that truly were meant for me manifested. 2024 was the year I discovered what it really felt like to begin having a more intentional relationship with having gumption and truly embodying it.

Many of you know me as a this and that (composer, singer, therapeutic musician, etc.) and at the end of the day, I’m just a soul in a meat suit wandering the earth collecting air hoping for meaningful connection, a good laugh and widening perspective. In the end, despite any grievances and dark night of the souls, we’re just trying our best to do right by ourselves and of others we care about.

2025 is now here. I’m again excited by the prospects of being more soul aligned. I’m feeling energized by my connection with my tribe, my spirit and the cosmos. I don’t know and don’t care to know how this all ends up because I have faith that wherever I land is where I’ll need to be. I want to trust that whatever forces that guide us will help carry, nurture and grow the seeds we’ve planted. So here’s to 2025, to the unknown and owning my mistakes, to trusting the process, to getting enough quality rest, enough long hugs, to enjoy sitting in stillness and truly listening for inner wisdom, truth and authenticity. To the breath and the power of air and wind. To right community. To humor and full-bellied laughter. To healing and love. To being more attuned with my body and rejoice in the gift of being alive!

Happy New Year to those who celebrate. Onwards!

❤️‍🔥🕯️🖤✨🪷🙏🪴✨🤍🕯️❤️‍🔥

🐱Friendly reminder from Anatolia🍋:

❤️‍🔥Rest and take care of yourself!❤️‍🔥

The winter season, especially the holiday season, can be stressful for many! It certainly was for me. Don’t forget to rest, take care of yourself, and protect your peace.

Best wishes to all! Much more to come.

#lillianyeemusic #selfcare #womeninmusic #healingthroughmusic

🐱Friendly reminder from Anatolia🍋:

❤️‍🔥Rest and take care of yourself!❤️‍🔥

The winter season, especially the holiday season, can be stressful for many! It certainly was for me. Don’t forget to rest, take care of yourself, and protect your peace.

Best wishes to all! Much more to come.

#lillianyeemusic #selfcare #womeninmusic #healingthroughmusic

Be well. Be loved. Be present.

With warmth & love,
Lillian 🌰✨📯

Be well. Be loved. Be present.

With warmth & love,
Lillian 🌰✨📯

✨🎄📯
Thu, 12/18/2024: Sitting in with @radiogatsby
- Location: @whiterabbitbarsf , San Francisco
- Genre: Jazz and Holiday Music
- Address: 3138 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

—

Fri, 12/19/2024: @modernistclub with @noam_eisen
- Location: Modernist, San Francisco
- Genre: Jazz and Holiday Music
- Address: 139 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105

—

Sat, 12/21/2024: @adegaazulwine with @rebecca_hass
- Location: Adega Azul, Berkeley
- Genre: Bossa Nova, MPB, and Other Brazilian Classics
- Address: 1287 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94706

—

Sun, 12/28/2024: The Brazilian Project at @riggersloftwineco
- Location: Riggers Loft, Point Richmond
- Performers: Rick Pollack, Jarrell Irvin, Jim Thorne, and Dean Muench
- Address: 1325 Canal Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804

—

Sat, 01/11/2025: The Brazilian Project: Private Event
- Location: North Bay
- Genre: Brazilian Music

—

Fri, 01/24/2025: The Brazilian Project at Chez Mansour
- Location: Chez Mansour, Albany
- Performers: Rick Pollack, Jim Thorne, Karl Hartmann, and Dick Matthias
- Address: 1369 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706

—

Sun, 01/26/2025: Ary Barroso Tribute House Concert
- Location: Private Berkeley Residence
- Performers: @ianfaquini , @natcressman , @marcelomeira700 , Mark Fishman, and Carol Belcher

#lillianyeemusic #aapi #sfbayarea #bayarealivemusic #swing #brazilian #holidaymusic #houseconcert #arybarroso #singer #albanyca #berkeley #sf #pointrichmond

✨🎄📯
Thu, 12/18/2024: Sitting in with @radiogatsby
- Location: @whiterabbitbarsf , San Francisco
- Genre: Jazz and Holiday Music
- Address: 3138 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

—

Fri, 12/19/2024: @modernistclub with @noam_eisen
- Location: Modernist, San Francisco
- Genre: Jazz and Holiday Music
- Address: 139 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105

—

Sat, 12/21/2024: @adegaazulwine with @rebecca_hass
- Location: Adega Azul, Berkeley
- Genre: Bossa Nova, MPB, and Other Brazilian Classics
- Address: 1287 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94706

—

Sun, 12/28/2024: The Brazilian Project at @riggersloftwineco
- Location: Riggers Loft, Point Richmond
- Performers: Rick Pollack, Jarrell Irvin, Jim Thorne, and Dean Muench
- Address: 1325 Canal Blvd, Richmond, CA 94804

—

Sat, 01/11/2025: The Brazilian Project: Private Event
- Location: North Bay
- Genre: Brazilian Music

—

Fri, 01/24/2025: The Brazilian Project at Chez Mansour
- Location: Chez Mansour, Albany
- Performers: Rick Pollack, Jim Thorne, Karl Hartmann, and Dick Matthias
- Address: 1369 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706

—

Sun, 01/26/2025: Ary Barroso Tribute House Concert
- Location: Private Berkeley Residence
- Performers: @ianfaquini , @natcressman , @marcelomeira700 , Mark Fishman, and Carol Belcher

#lillianyeemusic #aapi #sfbayarea #bayarealivemusic #swing #brazilian #holidaymusic #houseconcert #arybarroso #singer #albanyca #berkeley #sf #pointrichmond

✨🎁GRATITUDE POST🎁✨

@awesomeorchestra

🙌🎻🎤🎼🎉🥰🫨🎺❤️‍🔥🐣🍋🎹🥁🏆🥳🎊🙌

#lillianyeemusic #contemporarymusic #shadowwork #orchestra #awesomeorchestra #asianamericanvoices #femalecomposer #asianamericancomposer #bayareacomposer #sfbayarea #aapi #livingcomposer #freightandsalvage #berkeley #composer #oakland #womencomposers #womeninclassicalmusic #intergenerationaltrauma #healingthroughart

✨🎁GRATITUDE POST🎁✨

@awesomeorchestra

🙌🎻🎤🎼🎉🥰🫨🎺❤️‍🔥🐣🍋🎹🥁🏆🥳🎊🙌

#lillianyeemusic #contemporarymusic #shadowwork #orchestra #awesomeorchestra #asianamericanvoices #femalecomposer #asianamericancomposer #bayareacomposer #sfbayarea #aapi #livingcomposer #freightandsalvage #berkeley #composer #oakland #womencomposers #womeninclassicalmusic #intergenerationaltrauma #healingthroughart

I can’t believe the premier happened three days ago! The large influx of messages has been overwhelming and I’m still processing the concert aftermath. thank you so much for all of your support. My cup is spilling over! Thank you so much to @awesomeorchestra for bringing my piece to life and I have so much more to share. Thank you for all of the friends who showed up at @freightandsalvage and virtually online! Wow!! I’m so touched. Will respond to the messages and post more as soon as I have more sleep. Until then, love to all 💝🎉💓🎤❤️‍🔥✨🌙🪩🎻🥰🎊🌞💐💫🎼

#lillianyeemusic #awesomeorchestra #livingcomposer #femalecomposer #womancomposer #composer #contemporarymusic #sfbayarea #berkeley #oakland #shadowworker #aapi

I can’t believe the premier happened three days ago! The large influx of messages has been overwhelming and I’m still processing the concert aftermath. thank you so much for all of your support. My cup is spilling over! Thank you so much to @awesomeorchestra for bringing my piece to life and I have so much more to share. Thank you for all of the friends who showed up at @freightandsalvage and virtually online! Wow!! I’m so touched. Will respond to the messages and post more as soon as I have more sleep. Until then, love to all 💝🎉💓🎤❤️‍🔥✨🌙🪩🎻🥰🎊🌞💐💫🎼

#lillianyeemusic #awesomeorchestra #livingcomposer #femalecomposer #womancomposer #composer #contemporarymusic #sfbayarea #berkeley #oakland #shadowworker #aapi

🎶✨ Tomorrow’s the big day with @awesomeorchestra ! ✨🎶

After months of hard work and dedication, I’m thrilled about the concert on Sunday evening! It’s going to be an unforgettable night filled with beautiful music and incredible talent.

📅 Date: Sunday, December 8
🕒 Time: 7 PM
📍 Location: Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704

🎭 Exciting news! TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT and I’ve been told we have 25 standing room only spots available on a pay-what-you-can basis at the door. Make sure to arrive at the box office by 6:15 sharp to grab yours. Don’t miss out!

This concert holds a special place in my heart as it falls on what would have been my grandmother’s birthday. She passed away in November 2023, and I will be honoring her memory with a special tribute during the performance. Her love and support have been a guiding light in my life, and I hope to convey that through my music.

For those who can’t make it in person, we have a live stream available so you can join us from anywhere in the world. Tune into the livestream with the link in my bio!

Thank you all for your amazing support. Your encouragement and enthusiasm mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to see you there or online!

#lillianyeemusic #contemporarymusic #shadowwork #orchestra #awesomeorchestra #asianamericanvoices #femalecomposer #asianamericancomposer #bayareacomposer #sfbayarea #aapi #livingcomposer #freightandsalvage #berkeley #composer #oakland #womencomposers #womeninclassicalmusic #intergenerationaltrauma #healingthroughart

🎶✨ Tomorrow’s the big day with @awesomeorchestra ! ✨🎶

After months of hard work and dedication, I’m thrilled about the concert on Sunday evening! It’s going to be an unforgettable night filled with beautiful music and incredible talent.

📅 Date: Sunday, December 8
🕒 Time: 7 PM
📍 Location: Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704

🎭 Exciting news! TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT and I’ve been told we have 25 standing room only spots available on a pay-what-you-can basis at the door. Make sure to arrive at the box office by 6:15 sharp to grab yours. Don’t miss out!

This concert holds a special place in my heart as it falls on what would have been my grandmother’s birthday. She passed away in November 2023, and I will be honoring her memory with a special tribute during the performance. Her love and support have been a guiding light in my life, and I hope to convey that through my music.

For those who can’t make it in person, we have a live stream available so you can join us from anywhere in the world. Tune into the livestream with the link in my bio!

Thank you all for your amazing support. Your encouragement and enthusiasm mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to see you there or online!

#lillianyeemusic #contemporarymusic #shadowwork #orchestra #awesomeorchestra #asianamericanvoices #femalecomposer #asianamericancomposer #bayareacomposer #sfbayarea #aapi #livingcomposer #freightandsalvage #berkeley #composer #oakland #womencomposers #womeninclassicalmusic #intergenerationaltrauma #healingthroughart

🎶🎻 Join us for an unforgettable musical evening at Awesöme Orchestra’s End-of-Year Concert! 🎶🎻

I’m thrilled to be part of a diverse and exciting program featuring incredible performances and talented musicians. Tickets are still available and can be purchased with the link below (do NOT go to the Freight & Salvage website as this is a PRIVATE EVENT). If you can’t make it in person, tune in to our live stream starting at 6:45 PM to enjoy the show from the comfort of your home! LINKS to tickets and livestream is IN MY BIO.

🎵 Concert Program:

- Mestizo Waltz by Gabriela Lena Frank
Conducted by Sue Crum

- “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Carole King
Arranged by Vince Rillera
Featuring Chika Di, vocals
Conducted by David Möschler (@davidmoschler )

- Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea by Lillian Yee
Conducted by Martha Stoddard

- The Rocketeer by James Horner
Orchestrated by John Neufeld
Conducted by Brian Adam McCune (@brianadammccune )

— Intermission —

- “If It’s Magic” by Stevie Wonder
Arranged by Mike Blankenship
Featuring PHER, vocals
Conducted by David Möschler

- Sentience by Prasad Vidhyabaskaran
Conducted by Brian Adam McCune

- “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
Arranged by Keith Lawrence and Brian Adam McCune
Featuring Keith Lawrence and Cosa Nostra Strings
Conducted by David Möschler

- Libertadores by Oscar Navarro
Conducted by Sixto F. Montesinos, Jr. (@sixtofmontesinosjr )

Don’t miss this incredible lineup! Visit the @awesomeorchestra website for more details. We can’t wait to share this musical evening with you! 🎶✨

📸: @emberwyn

#livingcomposer #lillianyeemusic #aapi #sfbayarea #bayareacomposer #asianamericancomposer #femalecomposer #asianamericanvoices #awesomeorchestra #orchestra #shadowwork #contemporarymusic #lillianyeemusic

🎶🎻 Join us for an unforgettable musical evening at Awesöme Orchestra’s End-of-Year Concert! 🎶🎻

I’m thrilled to be part of a diverse and exciting program featuring incredible performances and talented musicians. Tickets are still available and can be purchased with the link below (do NOT go to the Freight & Salvage website as this is a PRIVATE EVENT). If you can’t make it in person, tune in to our live stream starting at 6:45 PM to enjoy the show from the comfort of your home! LINKS to tickets and livestream is IN MY BIO.

🎵 Concert Program:

- Mestizo Waltz by Gabriela Lena Frank
Conducted by Sue Crum

- “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Carole King
Arranged by Vince Rillera
Featuring Chika Di, vocals
Conducted by David Möschler (@davidmoschler )

- Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea by Lillian Yee
Conducted by Martha Stoddard

- The Rocketeer by James Horner
Orchestrated by John Neufeld
Conducted by Brian Adam McCune (@brianadammccune )

— Intermission —

- “If It’s Magic” by Stevie Wonder
Arranged by Mike Blankenship
Featuring PHER, vocals
Conducted by David Möschler

- Sentience by Prasad Vidhyabaskaran
Conducted by Brian Adam McCune

- “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke
Arranged by Keith Lawrence and Brian Adam McCune
Featuring Keith Lawrence and Cosa Nostra Strings
Conducted by David Möschler

- Libertadores by Oscar Navarro
Conducted by Sixto F. Montesinos, Jr. (@sixtofmontesinosjr )

Don’t miss this incredible lineup! Visit the @awesomeorchestra website for more details. We can’t wait to share this musical evening with you! 🎶✨

📸: @emberwyn

#livingcomposer #lillianyeemusic #aapi #sfbayarea #bayareacomposer #asianamericancomposer #femalecomposer #asianamericanvoices #awesomeorchestra #orchestra #shadowwork #contemporarymusic #lillianyeemusic

🗝️From Rehearsal to Reality: Bringing “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea” to Life with Awesöme Orchestra🚪

The rehearsal process for “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea” was intriguing, with the first public session at @7thwestoakland , a vibrant spot near the BART station. @awesomeorchestra aims to make classical music accessible by rehearsing in unconventional places, like a warehouse motor repair shop for Holst’s “The Planets.” Their vision enriches the Bay Area’s classical scene. I felt vulnerable having my piece’s first rehearsal be public, but embraced it with humor, helped by the bar setting. Awesöme Orchestra’s public rehearsals create a unique format.

Tonight, we had 1.5 hours with over 30 musicians to refine my piece. While the public rehearsal on April 26 gave a taste, this session allowed deeper engagement. The outcome was so beautiful it moved me to tears.

I focused on a section using hocketing, distributing a melody among strings for a dream-like effect. The challenge was for strings to play independently yet cohesively, representing life’s instability. The musicians performed with grace and expressivity, achieving the desired effect and moving me emotionally.

It’s special to see your music interpreted by others, creating a feedback loop of empathy. I’m grateful to these musicians for their heartfelt performance. I’m excited for their Sunday performance.

Tickets aren’t on the Freight & Salvage site; get them through the Awesöme Orchestra website, via the link in my bio, or at lillianyee.com. Sunday, Dec 8 - 7 pm, Berkeley and online via livestream.

#livingcomposer #lillianyeemusic #awesomeorchestra #sfbayarea #aapi #composer #femalecomposer #orchestra #oakland #berkeley #classicalmusic #contemporarymusic

🗝️From Rehearsal to Reality: Bringing “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea” to Life with Awesöme Orchestra🚪

The rehearsal process for “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea” was intriguing, with the first public session at @7thwestoakland , a vibrant spot near the BART station. @awesomeorchestra aims to make classical music accessible by rehearsing in unconventional places, like a warehouse motor repair shop for Holst’s “The Planets.” Their vision enriches the Bay Area’s classical scene. I felt vulnerable having my piece’s first rehearsal be public, but embraced it with humor, helped by the bar setting. Awesöme Orchestra’s public rehearsals create a unique format.

Tonight, we had 1.5 hours with over 30 musicians to refine my piece. While the public rehearsal on April 26 gave a taste, this session allowed deeper engagement. The outcome was so beautiful it moved me to tears.

I focused on a section using hocketing, distributing a melody among strings for a dream-like effect. The challenge was for strings to play independently yet cohesively, representing life’s instability. The musicians performed with grace and expressivity, achieving the desired effect and moving me emotionally.

It’s special to see your music interpreted by others, creating a feedback loop of empathy. I’m grateful to these musicians for their heartfelt performance. I’m excited for their Sunday performance.

Tickets aren’t on the Freight & Salvage site; get them through the Awesöme Orchestra website, via the link in my bio, or at lillianyee.com. Sunday, Dec 8 - 7 pm, Berkeley and online via livestream.

#livingcomposer #lillianyeemusic #awesomeorchestra #sfbayarea #aapi #composer #femalecomposer #orchestra #oakland #berkeley #classicalmusic #contemporarymusic

🇨🇳Cultural Influence on “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea”🇻🇳

Growing up with an Asian heritage has instilled in me a profound connection to spirituality and nature, themes that permeate my music. I draw inspiration from composers like Yoko Kanno, Joe Hisaishi, Nobuo Uematsu, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Their use of the pentatonic scale and various modes enriches their work, creating a universal appeal. These melodic outlines are paired with harmonies influenced by impressionism and jazz, featuring chord clusters that share common tones with different tonal centers.

In this composition, I blend these elements to craft soundscapes that balance consonance and dissonance, a dance between life’s challenges, healing, and self-awareness. This fusion unfolds within a sweeping cinematic narrative, often focusing on the solitude of a spiritual experience, a journey you will experience on December 8. My writing tends to lean on the lyrical side, as I am also a singer by trade, and I often draw on musical figures from my Chinese-Vietnamese upbringing.

As for the narrative behind this composition, it is a visceral response to the hailstorms of my upbringing. It serves as both a sword and shield, reflecting the peaks and valleys of my emotional landscape. I have several unique neurological conditions that heighten my sensory and emotional sensitivity, and this piece captures the intensity of those experiences. I hope to present to you, in my own fashion, this marriage between my Asian heritage, the challenges I’ve faced, and my journey toward healing.

Tickets are now available via the link in my bio or through my website, lillianyee.com. I’m so excited to present this piece at the @awesomeorchestra end-of-year concert on Sunday, December 8, at the @freightandsalvage in Berkeley. Doors open at 7 PM.

#aapi #femalecomposer #composer #awesomeorchestra #freightandsalvage #bayareacomposer #sfbayarea #berkeley #lillianyeemusic #cptsd #shadowwork #orchestra #composition #asianamerican #asianamericanartist

🇨🇳Cultural Influence on “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea”🇻🇳

Growing up with an Asian heritage has instilled in me a profound connection to spirituality and nature, themes that permeate my music. I draw inspiration from composers like Yoko Kanno, Joe Hisaishi, Nobuo Uematsu, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Their use of the pentatonic scale and various modes enriches their work, creating a universal appeal. These melodic outlines are paired with harmonies influenced by impressionism and jazz, featuring chord clusters that share common tones with different tonal centers.

In this composition, I blend these elements to craft soundscapes that balance consonance and dissonance, a dance between life’s challenges, healing, and self-awareness. This fusion unfolds within a sweeping cinematic narrative, often focusing on the solitude of a spiritual experience, a journey you will experience on December 8. My writing tends to lean on the lyrical side, as I am also a singer by trade, and I often draw on musical figures from my Chinese-Vietnamese upbringing.

As for the narrative behind this composition, it is a visceral response to the hailstorms of my upbringing. It serves as both a sword and shield, reflecting the peaks and valleys of my emotional landscape. I have several unique neurological conditions that heighten my sensory and emotional sensitivity, and this piece captures the intensity of those experiences. I hope to present to you, in my own fashion, this marriage between my Asian heritage, the challenges I’ve faced, and my journey toward healing.

Tickets are now available via the link in my bio or through my website, lillianyee.com. I’m so excited to present this piece at the @awesomeorchestra end-of-year concert on Sunday, December 8, at the @freightandsalvage in Berkeley. Doors open at 7 PM.

#aapi #femalecomposer #composer #awesomeorchestra #freightandsalvage #bayareacomposer #sfbayarea #berkeley #lillianyeemusic #cptsd #shadowwork #orchestra #composition #asianamerican #asianamericanartist

🎶 My Journey with “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea”🎶

Hello, beautiful souls! 🌟 As I prepare for my composition’s official premiere, I wanted to share how my personal journey, including shadow work and family history, has shaped my music.

✨ Shadow Work Unveiled✨

Originating from Carl Jung, #shadowwork is about embracing hidden emotions, desires, and fears, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. It’s a soulful journey towards authenticity. 🌑💡

🌿 My Story Behind The Piece:🌿

Understanding my parents’ divorce and their refugee past from China’s Cultural Revolution and the Vietnam War has deeply affected me. I’ve moved from blame to focusing on my own growth, aiming for fulfillment and compassion.

In 2019, on a stormy Scandinavian cruise, I composed a piece reflecting this inner journey. The strings represent the unconscious—fluid like emotions—while winds symbolize conscious thoughts, weaving through truths I encounter.

🌟 Why It Matters:🌟

Inner work nurtures mental health and fosters a better community through self-accountability. I’m excited to share this musical and personal journey with you all.

#lillianyeemusic #awesomeorchestra #bayareamusician #aapi #composer #orchestra #femalecomposer #sfbayarea #childrenofrefugees #asianamerican #aapivoices #berkeley #oakland

Thank you for being part of this transformation. Your support means the world. 💖✨I’ll be posting more about how much this means to me soon.

My piece will be premiered Sunday, December 8 with the @awesomeorchestra at their end-of-year concert event at the @freightandsalvage in Berkeley. Don’t miss it. ♥️

Tickets to the event won’t be found on the freight and salvage site but are in the link in my bio. Please take some time to check it out. I’d deeply appreciate it.

📸: @emberwyn

🎶 My Journey with “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea”🎶

Hello, beautiful souls! 🌟 As I prepare for my composition’s official premiere, I wanted to share how my personal journey, including shadow work and family history, has shaped my music.

✨ Shadow Work Unveiled✨

Originating from Carl Jung, #shadowwork is about embracing hidden emotions, desires, and fears, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. It’s a soulful journey towards authenticity. 🌑💡

🌿 My Story Behind The Piece:🌿

Understanding my parents’ divorce and their refugee past from China’s Cultural Revolution and the Vietnam War has deeply affected me. I’ve moved from blame to focusing on my own growth, aiming for fulfillment and compassion.

In 2019, on a stormy Scandinavian cruise, I composed a piece reflecting this inner journey. The strings represent the unconscious—fluid like emotions—while winds symbolize conscious thoughts, weaving through truths I encounter.

🌟 Why It Matters:🌟

Inner work nurtures mental health and fosters a better community through self-accountability. I’m excited to share this musical and personal journey with you all.

#lillianyeemusic #awesomeorchestra #bayareamusician #aapi #composer #orchestra #femalecomposer #sfbayarea #childrenofrefugees #asianamerican #aapivoices #berkeley #oakland

Thank you for being part of this transformation. Your support means the world. 💖✨I’ll be posting more about how much this means to me soon.

My piece will be premiered Sunday, December 8 with the @awesomeorchestra at their end-of-year concert event at the @freightandsalvage in Berkeley. Don’t miss it. ♥️

Tickets to the event won’t be found on the freight and salvage site but are in the link in my bio. Please take some time to check it out. I’d deeply appreciate it.

📸: @emberwyn

Some late night self-serenading. Here’s a new tune I’ve fallen in love with called, “Errinho À Toa” by Sérgio Ricardo. A little tired but that never dampens my love for a beautiful melody. Happy Monday~

#sergioricardo #errinhoàtoa #lillianyeemusic #bossanova

Some late night self-serenading. Here’s a new tune I’ve fallen in love with called, “Errinho À Toa” by Sérgio Ricardo. A little tired but that never dampens my love for a beautiful melody. Happy Monday~

#sergioricardo #errinhoàtoa #lillianyeemusic #bossanova

Since the start of autumn, I’ve been longing for a period where I could hibernate. Autumn this year started with a heat wave, so I didn’t really feel like the season had transitioned until just recently.

This November, I’m excited to perform with The Brazilian Project not only once but twice: this coming Sunday, November 17 (@sailinggoatrestaurant in Point Richmond) and also Friday, November 22 (Chez Mansour in Albany). The Brazilian Project consists of Rick Pollack (guitar), Jarrell Irvin (keyboard), Dean Muench (bass), and Jim Thorne (drums).

I’m also excited to lend my vocals in a tribute concert to Ary Barroso and Rosa Passos on Saturday, November 23, which I’m thrilled to say is currently sold out. I’ll be performing with Carol Belcher (vocals/percussion), Marcelo Meira (@marcelomeira700 - clarinet/saxophone), Ian Faquini (@ianfaquini - guitar), and Mark Fishman (percussion). If you are interested in this concert, don’t worry; you haven’t missed out! There will be another concert with the same material in January. More on that later.

I am very, very excited for my official orchestra premiere of “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea” this coming December 8. The Awesöme Orchestra Collective (@awesomeorchestra ) will be performing my piece at @freightandsalvage in Berkeley. Tickets are currently available and can be purchased via the link in my bio. I will be posting more about my piece as the days come closer. I’m very excited to share this with you.

#lillianyeemusic #lillianyee #sfbayarea #livingcomposer #berkeley #albany #arybarroso #rosapassos #bayarealivemusic #bayareaartist #aapi #shadowworker #shadowworkersofinstagram #orchestra #awesomeorchestra #freightandsalvage #chezmansour #sailinggoat #pointrichmond

Since the start of autumn, I’ve been longing for a period where I could hibernate. Autumn this year started with a heat wave, so I didn’t really feel like the season had transitioned until just recently.

This November, I’m excited to perform with The Brazilian Project not only once but twice: this coming Sunday, November 17 (@sailinggoatrestaurant in Point Richmond) and also Friday, November 22 (Chez Mansour in Albany). The Brazilian Project consists of Rick Pollack (guitar), Jarrell Irvin (keyboard), Dean Muench (bass), and Jim Thorne (drums).

I’m also excited to lend my vocals in a tribute concert to Ary Barroso and Rosa Passos on Saturday, November 23, which I’m thrilled to say is currently sold out. I’ll be performing with Carol Belcher (vocals/percussion), Marcelo Meira (@marcelomeira700 - clarinet/saxophone), Ian Faquini (@ianfaquini - guitar), and Mark Fishman (percussion). If you are interested in this concert, don’t worry; you haven’t missed out! There will be another concert with the same material in January. More on that later.

I am very, very excited for my official orchestra premiere of “Shadow Worker: Wind and Sea” this coming December 8. The Awesöme Orchestra Collective (@awesomeorchestra ) will be performing my piece at @freightandsalvage in Berkeley. Tickets are currently available and can be purchased via the link in my bio. I will be posting more about my piece as the days come closer. I’m very excited to share this with you.

#lillianyeemusic #lillianyee #sfbayarea #livingcomposer #berkeley #albany #arybarroso #rosapassos #bayarealivemusic #bayareaartist #aapi #shadowworker #shadowworkersofinstagram #orchestra #awesomeorchestra #freightandsalvage #chezmansour #sailinggoat #pointrichmond

It’s been a crazy couple weeks as the weather has cooled now in the Bay Area and I can officially wear a sweater again. As the trees prepare for their slumber, I feel myself needing more time to release, be quiet and shelter in place. It seems though that the universe had other plans for me. I’m very grateful that I had a chance to play a joint concert with @joycemcbride.music and her group at @thelostchurchsf at the end of September, where I had the opportunity to premiere a new tune of mine called “Disintegrating Epistles”. @melodiasdasestrelas.musica performed it beautifully. I am grateful to @rebecca_hass (piano) and Laura Boytz (cello) who were such supportive collaborators and friends.

“Disintegrating Epistles” was written during a time of inner deconstruction and decomposing, perfect for autumn. I hope you enjoy the atmosphere it creates, and that you can hear its melancholic hopefulness.

Rebecca and I will be playing at @adegaazulwine tomorrow, Saturday, October 19 from 6 to 8 PM. We will be playing a selection of bossa nova, samba, and choro. Thank you, Diva, for inviting us back.🍷💕

Hope to see some friends there 🌹🌙

#bayarealivemusic #bossanova #berkeley #sfbayarea #lillianyeemusic #melodiasdasestrelas #thelostchurch #adegaazul #sf #sflivemusic #rebeccahass #lauraboytz #disintegratingepistles #composer #musiccomposer #composition #aapi

It’s been a crazy couple weeks as the weather has cooled now in the Bay Area and I can officially wear a sweater again. As the trees prepare for their slumber, I feel myself needing more time to release, be quiet and shelter in place. It seems though that the universe had other plans for me. I’m very grateful that I had a chance to play a joint concert with @joycemcbride.music and her group at @thelostchurchsf at the end of September, where I had the opportunity to premiere a new tune of mine called “Disintegrating Epistles”. @melodiasdasestrelas.musica performed it beautifully. I am grateful to @rebecca_hass (piano) and Laura Boytz (cello) who were such supportive collaborators and friends.

“Disintegrating Epistles” was written during a time of inner deconstruction and decomposing, perfect for autumn. I hope you enjoy the atmosphere it creates, and that you can hear its melancholic hopefulness.

Rebecca and I will be playing at @adegaazulwine tomorrow, Saturday, October 19 from 6 to 8 PM. We will be playing a selection of bossa nova, samba, and choro. Thank you, Diva, for inviting us back.🍷💕

Hope to see some friends there 🌹🌙

#bayarealivemusic #bossanova #berkeley #sfbayarea #lillianyeemusic #melodiasdasestrelas #thelostchurch #adegaazul #sf #sflivemusic #rebeccahass #lauraboytz #disintegratingepistles #composer #musiccomposer #composition #aapi

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