Ala Gialla of Boulder on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Ala Gialla and have shared our conversation below.

Ala, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I just got back from my trip to Germany to attend the European premiere of my composition “Dearly Beloved”, which was selected as one of the winners to be performed in the Annual Concert 2025 of the International Alliance of Women in Music (IAWM). It was performed by the Virago Symphonic Orchestra, an all-women orchestra under the baton of Ms. Pascale Van Os. It technically can also be called a world premiere because it was a different arrangement from the premiere back in May performed by the Flatirons Community Orchestra in Colorado.

The experience hearing my composition live in person, experiencing the effort and energy everyone put into the concert, was very impactful to me. It was my honor to have my piece performed by the amazing musicians, among the other beautiful pieces composed by my fellow women composers. I am also very proud of myself putting this piece together and out there for the audiences and musicians to enjoy as well.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Ala Gialla, a pianist, composer, an educator and author.

My life passion is all about music: from performing to composing, teaching and educating.

I started my music career in Hong Kong with focusing on piano performance, performing with other musicians, orchestras and choirs around the world. Then I shifted my focus to piano teaching. I started my own studio and then opened a piano school, training other piano teachers educating the next generation of young musicians, I also had a charity organization for a while, aiming at providing more music opportunities for the underprivileged and getting more engagement from the community through concerts and workshops.

After moving to Colorado, it took me a while to get back to my music roots, mainly because of the drastic change moving to a different country, even though I did my master’s degree in the States. Living here is an entirely different story. Eventually I built back my studio and felt that it was time to get back to piano performance and music composition.

I have written a few books on piano and released a few music albums. My recent focus is to compose more orchestral music that speaks to the audience at a deeper level, with positive messages of love, peace and hope.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child growing up in a family with very strict rules, I was led to believe I was not bright enough to achieve anything remotely extraordinary: just live like everyone else, study something you hate, have a miserable work life of 9-5 and making enough money to survive. Studying music was not something my father wanted, but somehow he let me choose this path since high school and even provide me financial support to continue my study abroad for my master’s degree in piano performance. For that I am forever grateful.

However, I always felt I was not good enough for others and even myself. Finally after years of self therapy, reading and analyzing and understanding myself, I have come to realize that I am a person with a lot of capabilities and potentials, with even more room to grow and explore for the rest of my life.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh sure! Many a times I wanted to give up, on my music, my playing and writing, even my life. But every time when I felt like that, there would sign to remind me there was light at the tunnel, that there was hope, joy and support from so many things and people around me, and that my life had such a purpose, and I could be of service to others. Now I know I won’t give up on anything I set my mind to, and my life is truly a precious gift.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Ha! This is a good question.

For me, it’s hard to pretend to be a different person in public than the real me. I am just the same person, I want to be authentic in all physical and emotional dimensions!

So yes, it’s the same me in public and private, the same me who tries to be positive, encouraging, kind, inspiring, hopeful and compassionate – sounds cheesy but it’s all true, nothing but the truth!

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people would say that I was brave to forge a path for myself. They would still love my music and enjoy my teaching with what I have left behind, I hope those who knew me personally would appreciate the connection that we had, and think that I have contributed to make the world just a little bit better.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Lindsey Gerstner Photography

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