Today we’d like to introduce you to Cedrice Young.
Cedrice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I was born, my grandmother expressed that she wanted to put me in piano lessons after failing to do so with her children. I began piano lessons at the age of seven years old and I’ve been exceptional ever since. During my pre-teen years, I participated in many musical endeavors in school. I was a member of the Wind Ensemble at Jean Childs Young Middle School where I briefly played the oboe. While attending Benjamin E. Mays High School, I was an alto saxophonist in the marching band, Mays High Marching Raiders. However, piano remained my primary instrument. I decided to major in piano while attending Valdosta State University; this allowed me to receive formal music education. I obtained a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano. I went on to obtain a Master of Music degree with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy from Georgia State University. During the pandemic, I recorded and posted myself performing instrumental covers of music. Aside from enjoying it, I started to garner a decent following on my social media platforms. I also began to research the history and music of African American composers during the pandemic. This led to the creation of my business, Fancy Fingers Publishing LLC., a business dedicated to teaching future generations the history and influence of African American composers and their music. My most recent performance was my birthday recital to celebrate not only my 27th bday but to celebrate that I’ve officially been playing piano for 20 years. I’ve done a lot in those 20 years and I’m really just getting started.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey to my 20 year milestone as a pianist has came with ample failures and mistakes, but I don’t regret any of them. You don’t appreciate experiences in the moment as you do once they’ve passed. Those moments of imposter syndrome, fear, and failure felt intense in the early years of studying music. I always felt like I was falling short, but now as I’m experiencing the rewards of staying faithful and persistent, I realize exactly what people mean when they say you can’t appreciate sunshine without rain. That saying is so corny, but it’s true.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love to create with piano. That’s the simplest way I can express my work. I’m devoted to my craft and all the possibilities it provides for me. Aside from piano covers, I love creating educational materials for those who wish to learn. I also dabble in composition. I’ve made it a point to assign myself a “piano passion project” which keeps me creative. My current project in the works is a 24-track piano loop pack that will bridge the gap between the classical genre and rap/hip-hop genre. I’m sure this loop pack will be the first of its kind and will set a trend for sure. That’s all I can say for now.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness for me comes from the understanding I have as a young, childless, unmarried woman. It is such a luxury to live the life I have. I have a freedom to do what I want, be who I want, and go where I want to go when I get ready. I was accustomed to becoming so flustered with thinking 5-10 years ahead and giving into the hustle culture of the city. I’ve learned to give myself grace. I like to always remember to let other people tell me “no” and never tell myself “no”.
Pricing:
- School Accompanist- $300+
- Event Pianist- $250+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_thepianoboss_
- Youtube: MsCecethePB
- Other: TikTok- @ms.cecethepb
Image Credits
Kyle Breaux-Photography
