Yu-Jane Yang
Dr. Yu-Jane Yang, piano professor at
Weber State University since 1992
Dr. Yu-Jane Yang was born and raised in Taiwan. She had an affinity with the piano from a very young age, and began taking piano lessons as a kindergartner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music at the National Taiwan Normal University. Her program allowed her to attend college for free in exchange for teaching at both a junior high and high school for four years. She taught at a girl’s high school for two years before applying for an exemption to attend graduate school in the United States.
Yu-Jane attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a full scholarship. At that time, it was one of the top five music schools in the country. She graduated with a master’s of science in music education in three semesters, and completed a master’s in piano pedagogy and performance. When she first started in the program she had to work twice as hard because of the language barrier. She went on to complete a doctorate in music education with double cognates in piano pedagogy and piano performance from the University of Michigan.
Yu-Jane began teaching at Weber State University in January 1992. During her tenure she has helped build and expand the piano program. Many of her students have placed in state, regional, and national competitions. She has brought international students to the program, and has taught master class courses both in the U.S. and abroad. Because of her efforts, she helped make Weber a Steinway school. She is currently the director of keyboard studies and director of the piano preparatory program. A renowned performer and instructor, Yu-Jane has performed, taught, and presented all over the world.
Yu-Jane is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, and served as the president of the Utah Music Teachers Association from 2002 to 2004. She has helped as an adjudicator in several different competitions throughout the state. She has received many awards throughout her career. She has received the D.H. Baldwin Fellowship for Teaching Excellence in Piano, Music Teachers National Association Benjamin Whitten Collegiate Chapter Advisor of the Year Award, WSU’s Lowe Innovative Teaching Award, Utah Symphony Ballet Association Women in the Arts Award, Utah Music Teachers Association’s Legacy Award, WSU’s Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor, Music Teacher National Association Foundation Fellow, WSU’s John Hinckley Fellow, and Music Teachers National Association Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Yu-Jane Yang teaching a master class, with Fan-Ya Lin on the piano April 2010
Dignitaries and guests at the event designating WSU as a Steinway school September 27, 2011
Yu Jane Yang and Shi-Hwa Wang at an Evening of Music with Fan-Ya Lin in Washington, D.C. April 21, 2012
Dr. Yu-Jane Yang playing the piano August 18, 2020
Exhibit in the Stewart Library