Today we’d like to introduce you to Tingting Wu
Hi Tingting, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As the founder of the ColorMusic project, I envisioned a way to help modern audiences connect with their emotions and imagination through music. ColorMusic began in 2019 as a seed of an idea inspired by my fascination with the connection between emotions and colors. I realized that both music and colors evoke powerful feelings, and I asked myself: What if I could combine the emotions I feel in music with the transformative power of colors? This idea grew into a mission to create concerts that immerse audiences in a multisensory experience, allowing them to reflect, imagine, and feel something deeply personal.
At its core, ColorMusic seeks to make classical music more relevant to modern audiences by showing how it resonates with our emotions and stories today. My goal isn’t to ask people to worship classical composers but to experience how their timeless works can inspire us in the present. Along the way, audiences discover the brilliance of these composers and how their music continues to speak to universal human experiences.
ColorMusic is also about breaking away from rigid traditions. I want my concerts to feel accessible and personal. Audiences are encouraged to take videos or photos of the moments that move them, dress comfortably, and enjoy the experience without any pressure. It’s about creating an inviting space where people can truly connect with the music and with themselves.
What sets ColorMusic apart is its emotional range. Unlike pop music, which often centers on romantic love, ColorMusic explores the full spectrum of human emotions and relationships—friendship, family bonds, overcoming hardships, the beauty of nature, storytelling, and more. By combining music and dynamic lighting, I aim to bring these emotions to life, helping people connect with themselves and the world around them.
This vision has stayed with me throughout my journey as a pianist. During my doctoral studies at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, I became deeply passionate about finding new ways to bring classical music into the lives of modern audiences. My journey has taken me through many inspiring places like New York City and Boston, and now I’m proud to call Miami, in particular, my home.
Today, I’m proud to bring ColorMusic to life as a cultural experience that not only entertains but inspires, connecting people with the timeless beauty of classical music and the richness of their own emotions.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to building ColorMusic has been full of hard work and excitement, though it hasn’t always been smooth. From the start, I’ve been confident that people would feel and connect with the emotional power of ColorMusic. My focus has been on refining my vision and tackling the practical challenges of turning this unique idea into reality.
I feel incredibly lucky to have had amazing people supporting me along the way. My professor at the University of Miami, Kevin Kenner, was one of the first to fully encourage me to develop the ColorMusic idea. His belief in my vision gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. I’ve also been fortunate to have supportive non-musician friends who believe deeply in the potential of ColorMusic. Their encouragement has been invaluable in helping me overcome challenges and stay motivated.
Unlike many with a doctoral degree, I never applied for university professor positions. I chose to dedicate myself entirely to ColorMusic because I believe deeply in its value. To me, ColorMusic is not just a concert series—it’s a way to help and inspire people to find themselves through music and colors. I am convinced this project is creating something truly meaningful for society.
Financial and logistical challenges have certainly been part of the process. As an independent artist, I’ve had to manage every aspect of ColorMusic, from creative design to marketing. Learning new skills like video editing and concert promotion has been challenging but deeply rewarding. Each step has reinforced my belief in the project and its ability to touch people’s lives.
Through it all, the support of mentors, friends, and my own determination has helped me navigate this journey. Every time I see an audience member light up during a ColorMusic performance, I’m reminded that the effort is worth it. The road hasn’t been perfect, but it has been incredibly meaningful, and I’ve learned resilience, adaptability, and the value of staying true to my vision.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional solo pianist, the founder of ColorMusic, and a piano instructor. My work combines performing, teaching, and reimagining how people experience classical music. As the creator of ColorMusic, I specialize in blending classical music with dynamic colored lighting to create an immersive, multisensory experience that helps audiences connect with music on a deeper level.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the success of the first two ColorMusic concerts in Brickell. The Grand Opening on December 27th, 2024, and the follow-up performance on January 18th, 2025, were both sold-out events, with long waiting lists of people eager to attend. This overwhelming response confirmed that my idea of helping people connect with themselves through music is working. It also showed me that people do want to experience the charisma of classical music—they just hadn’t found the right way to approach it until now.
What sets ColorMusic apart is its audience-centered approach to classical music. Many traditional concerts focus on the brilliance of the composer or the performer, but ColorMusic is designed to serve the audience’s emotional experience. It’s not just about listening to music; it’s about feeling it, visualizing it, and discovering something new within yourself. ColorMusic concerts invite people to engage in their own way—whether that’s taking photos of moments that inspire them, dressing comfortably, or letting their imagination roam freely.
Through ColorMusic project, I hope to bridge the gap between classical music and modern audiences by presenting it in a way that feels vibrant, relevant, and deeply meaningful. Knowing that I’ve created something that resonates with people and adds value to their lives is what drives me to keep refining and growing this project.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is people—their well-being, their inspiration, and their ability to believe in themselves. I want people to feel motivated and empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. That’s why I pour my heart into creating ColorMusic, striving to make it as brilliant and impactful as possible.
Through ColorMusic, I want to show that entertainment doesn’t have to involve drugs, smoking, excessive alcohol, or other unhealthy habits. There are healthier, more meaningful ways to connect with ourselves and the world around us. Music and art have an incredible power to heal, inspire, and uplift. I want my work to remind people that joy and creativity come from within their own hearts and minds—they just need to trust and believe in themselves.
Helping others recognize the beauty and strength they already possess is deeply meaningful to me. That belief drives everything I do—as a pianist, the founder of ColorMusic, and a piano instructor.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.colormusicshow.com / www.tingtingw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tingtingwu.pianist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pianowtt/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tingtingwupianist/
Image Credits
Xiaodong Wang
