The Ultimate Piano Educator! | Ep. 35: This is the Legend Of Michelle Lau @theopenscore

As the 2026 Toronto International Piano Competition approaches, it's time to open the score on one of its team members! Join Amos Vang as he features Michelle Lau, a pianist, educator, and social media manager of the Toronto International Piano Competition ⁠ @TorontoPianoCompetition ⁠ ! In this episode, Amos and Michelle discuss Michelle's career and pathway from performing pianist to the creation of "The Open Score". Amos and Michelle also discuss the early YouTube days, as well as what to expect from the Toronto International Piano Competition! Tomorrow by Scott Buckley – released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Other music by Amos Vang

-- CHAPTERS --

0:00 – Introduction

3:27 – What inspired Michelle Lau to pursue piano?

6:11 – Toronto’s music culture

8:20 – Balancing school and classical music as a kid

11:28 – What were the most important lessons that Michelle Lau learned from her early days learning piano?

14:49 – What inspired Michelle Lau to pursue a Bachelor and Master of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Western Ontario?

17:58 – Dealing with injury as a musician

23:25 – Michelle Lau also dealt with injury as a pianist.

25:11 – Michelle Lau’s teachers

28:27 – What inspired Michelle Lau to create The Open Score? THE OG YOUTUBERS!

30:16 – Wong Fu Productions, Ryan Higa, and Smosh were some of Amos Vang and Michelle Lau’s favourite YouTubers!

31:54 – The Open Score’s collaborations with Henle, Soundbrenner, and Tonebase

39:55 – Michelle Lau is a piano festival adjudicator for the Toronto Kiwanis Festival and the Ontario Music Festival Association Finals?!

41:40 – Amos Vang on moving away from being a classical pianist to becoming a lawyer

46:15 – What is musicality to Michelle Lau?

48:32 – What are the most important lessons that Michelle Lau has learned in her career?

50:29 – Never be arrogant. It is a big problem, especially in some professions such as law.

52:06 – Toronto International Piano Competition: Michelle Lau’s involvement!

55:50 – What are the unique aspects of the Toronto International Piano Competition?

59:34 – How will the competitors be featured at the Toronto International Piano Competition?

1:00:47 – The jury has some young jury members!

1:05:11 – Where can people watch/listen to the Toronto International Piano Competition?

1:06:00 – What are the greatest misconceptions that people have expressed to Michelle Lau about classical music?

1:08:33 – Classical music heavily influential in rock, metal, and other styles of music! Master of Puppets, anyone?

1:10:08 – What is Michelle Lau’s advice to those who want to pursue a career in classical music?

1:11:15 – What would Michelle Lau like to say to her fans?