Meet Jane Lee

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jane Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jane below.

Hi Jane, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Music has always been a part of me. From a young age, I found so much joy in playing the piano and violin, singing, and dancing. It wasn’t something I had to force myself to do, it was something I loved and very passionate about. As I kept learning and playing, that joy grew into something bigger, and it became my purpose.

When things get hard, I always remind myself why I started. I think of the simple joy and happiness I felt as a child, my family who have always supported me unconditionally and cheering me on through every single step of my journey, and my mentors who believed in me even when I doubted myself and pushed me to grow into the musician I am today. I also have a tattoo on my body that represent my journey—“Don’t be defeated by yourself.” I got this tattoo to remind myself that I can keep going and am not alone. These reminders keep me motivated and help me avoid burnout, ensuring that my love for music stays as strong as it was when I first began.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a classical musician, my career has always been driven by a desire to not only perform but to make an impact on the performing arts scene in the U.S. I believe that every performance is an opportunity to create a transformative experience for both the audience and myself. I’ve had the privilege of performing with prestigious orchestras at esteemed venues, but what I truly value is the chance to use my platform to support and inspire others in the performing arts community. I strive to bring something fresh and powerful to each performance.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

There are some qualities that have been really important in shaping my path; work ethic, self-discipline, and adaptability.

First, work ethic has been foundational to my success. There were times when I had to practice long hours, prepare for performances under tight deadlines, and juggle multiple responsibilities. What got me through was the ability to stay focused and put in the necessary effort, no matter how tough it got. My advice for those starting out is to build a strong work ethic early on. Set clear goals, stay consistent, and be prepared to put in the work, even when it feels like a grind. The rewards will come through dedication and persistence. And don’t be afraid to take risks and find your own voice.

Self-discipline has been equally important in keeping me on track. Whether it’s sticking to a practice schedule or balancing the demands of performing and teaching. Being disciplined in my approach has helped me stay organized and efficient. Discipline isn’t just about following a schedule, it’s about making choices that align with your long-term goals and staying focused on the bigger picture. We all should keep dreaming big and never give up!

Finally, adaptability has played a huge role in my journey. The music industry is constantly changing, and I’ve had to learn to adapt to new performance opportunities, different teaching environments, and even shifts in how audiences engage with music. Being flexible and open to new experiences is important nowadays. Embrace change, try new things, and be willing to step outside my comfort zone. The more adaptable I am, the more opportunities will come my way.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was creating a safe and enjoyable environment to learn and grow. They gave me the greatest gift: the freedom to explore my passion for music without limits, and the support to turn it into a lifelong career. My parents always supported my interests, whether it was music or something else, and they made sure I had the resources to explore all of them. They never pressured me to follow one specific path, instead, they encouraged me to pursue what brought me joy, and that freedom was incredibly empowering.

Additionally, their belief in my potential helped me build the confidence to pursue a career in whatever I wanted to pursue, which is music. They made countless sacrifices to ensure I had the opportunity to study, finish my degrees, have experiences, expand my comfort zones, and so more along with their emotional and moral support. My parents are my motivation and strength to keep going and push forward. Their belief in me, even when I struggled with self-doubt, has been a constant source of motivation throughout my journey.