Tejay Liao is a performer, educator, and researcher from Vancouver, B.C who has spent his career bringing awareness to growth mindsets, musician mental health, and evidence-based learning strategies. With degrees in music and neuroscience from the University of British Columbia and McGill, Tejay bridges the gap between science and art, developing innovative approaches to guitar technique and pedagogy that challenge the misguided traditions commonly passed down in classical music. Tejay regularly guest lectures at colleges, universities, and music festivals, advocating for more effective strategies rooted in cognitive science and educational psychology.

As a performer, Tejay has been praised for his beautiful tone, technical clarity, and an extraordinary ability to play even the most demanding repertoire without ever looking at his instrument. This distinctive skill was inspired after a pivotal collaboration in Asia with the blind pianist Tse-Chen Hsu (許哲誠), which led Tejay to adopt a bold new approach: practicing and performing entirely with his eyes closed. What began as an experiment in empathy and discipline quickly evolved into a foundational aspect of his artistry.

By eliminating visual input, Tejay has trained himself to rely more deeply on tactile feedback and auditory perception—heightening his sensitivity to nuance, timing, and phrasing. This method has not only refined his physical technique, but also cultivated a more immersive and intuitive connection with the music he plays. His performances are marked by a heightened presence and emotional depth made possible only by a greater focus on sound and feel.

This approach to performance reflects Tejay’s broader philosophy: that limitations, when embraced mindfully, can become tools for growth. By challenging conventional habits and inviting vulnerability into his practice, Tejay opens the door to a more mindful, expressive, and internally driven form of musicianship—one that resonates deeply with both audiences and students alike.