Yuchao Zhou is a software engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area. A native of China, Zhou pursued his master’s degree in computer science in the US. Beyond his technical career, Zhou has a profound passion for piano and classical music, a pursuit he began at age 5 and has continued for over two decades without formal music education. Music serves as a vital channel for self-expression and identity for him. Recently, he showcased his talent at the 2024 California Concerto Festival for Amateur Pianists, performing the 2nd movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 with the Mission College Symphony. He was also a performer of the PianoTexas Amateur program in 2024. His musical journey has been enriched through studies with esteemed pianists worldwide, including pianists from China, Ukraine, Austria, Venezuela, Israel, Australia and Germany.