Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Mao.
Hi Maggie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a professional pianist, singer, and composer, and I’ve been fortunate to win major prizes in international competitions and perform concerts across Asia and North America. But unlike many musicians, my biggest dream has always been to pass on what I’ve learned and built to the next generation. I want to create an environment where children have complete freedom to express themselves through music and art—expressing the things words alone can’t capture.
The person who truly pushed me to make that dream real is my husband, Max. He’s a chef and restaurant owner who has loved music since he was a child. But growing up, he never had the chance to learn, because his parents believed “success” meant becoming a doctor. Still, music was always there for him. Whenever life was hard, he would turn to music, and it helped him through his most difficult moments.
When we met, he was inspired by my work and finally started learning guitar. He told me it felt like meeting an old friend again—a friend who had been by his side his whole life. And in the same way, he inspired me to take the leap and open the academy. We’ve inspired each other—he found the courage to learn music, and I found the courage to start my academy. Together, we’ve filled in the missing pieces in each other’s lives, creating something whole, supported by both love and music.
Music is not just a skill—it’s a lifelong friend who will always be there to support you. And our mission is to give children that same friend. Through my original method, which combines music and color, we create a space where they can express their feelings without limits. And from all that I’ve learned and built, we offer high-level music education that shapes focus, discipline, and creativity—the same qualities that will help them succeed, no matter what path they choose in life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every mission is a journey, and ours has definitely had its ups and downs. We’ve had moments where funds were tight and keeping the business running wasn’t easy. But honestly, the biggest challenge hasn’t been the finances—it’s been opening parents’ minds to see what music can truly do for their children.
Music isn’t just about learning an instrument. It builds creativity, focus, and discipline—qualities that shape who children become and prepare them for whatever future they choose. And the exciting part is, we’re seeing more and more parents understand that. They’re realizing high-level music education is really about shaping a child’s character and mindset that lead to success in any path they choose. not just their musical skills. That’s what keeps us inspired and moving forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional pianist, singer, and composer, and I’ve been fortunate to win major prizes in international competitions and perform concerts across Asia and North America. Unlike many musicians, I’m eager to bring everything I’ve learned and built to the next generation. My passion is to create an environment where children have complete freedom to express themselves through music and art—expressing what words alone can’t capture.
I’ve developed a unique method that combines music and color—using color as a way to inspire and create music. It’s a universal language that anyone can use to express themselves, no matter who they are or where they come from. You don’t need advanced theory to write music—just the willingness to use the language of music to reveal who you truly are… and to discover new sides of yourself along the way.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’m a professional pianist, singer, and composer, and I’ve been fortunate to win major prizes in international competitions and perform concerts across Asia and North America. Unlike many musicians, I’m eager to bring everything I’ve learned and built to the next generation. My passion is to create an environment where children have complete freedom to express themselves through music and art—expressing what words alone can’t capture.
I’ve developed a unique method that combines music and color—using color as a way to inspire and create music. It’s a universal language that anyone can use to express themselves, no matter who they are or where they come from. You don’t need advanced theory to write music—just the willingness to use the language of music to reveal who you truly are… and to discover new sides of yourself along the way.
And for me, the most important thing is that more and more people are starting to understand how high-quality music education can shape their children’s lives, influence their careers, and help them succeed in whatever path they choose. Because they’re not just learning musical skills—they’re building discipline, focus, patience, and creativity, the same qualities that so many CEOs, innovators, and leaders developed early in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PlaytheArtMusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playtheartmusic/
