Meet Cedrice Young | ThePianoBoss & Owner of Fancy Fingers Publishing, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cedrice Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cedrice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
During the pandemic, I found myself suffering from academic burnout after graduating. I was unfulfilled with the standard classical repertoire of music I’d been playing for so long. I needed something new to inspire me. That’s when I did my research of African American composers and started learning their music. I was unaware of how many African American classical composers. The inspiration I drew from their stories and music inspired me to create fun educational materials solely dedicated to learning about African American composers.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am one of the best pianists in Atlanta. It has taken me years to form and say that statement with confidence. The beauty in how I teach, perform and create music is unlike anyone else . There are many pianists in this world, but none of them are me. These past two years, I have went through some of the toughest obstacles: being fired, graduating during a pandemic, losing my Godmother to COVID-19, severe imposter syndrome when I graduated with my Master’s degree, and just feeling lost many times because I didn’t know how to pick myself up. There were many times I felt like a pathetic musician. That version of me no longer exists.

I took the time out to learn who I was and plan how I wanted to accomplish my dreams. However, I made sure that I understood that I can plan as much as I want to, but God has the final say. God’s timing is the best timing and I didn’t learn that until recently. There were many times in my life that I felt things were happening too slowly or they weren’t happening at all. However, when I focused only on what I could control and left everything up to timing, the results proved to be better than what I expected. The release of my 1st coloring book was a prime example. It took me 2 years to finish my 1st coloring book and within the 1st week of its release, I sold out of my inventory. That was nothing but confirmation of knowing my dreams and goals are not only realistic, but achievable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a WHILE since I’ve went out LOL. My daily routine consists of practicing piano, work, and Kroger for groceries BUT… I’d definitely take my friend to Barcelona Wine Bar and Houston’s. I’d also take them to see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and sing by the High Museum of Art for their jazz nights.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout God and my mama. I am a very introverted person so the deeper and more vulnerable parts of my life and feelings are only shown to my mother and God. My mother has kept my spirit afloat and constantly reminds me of who I am. Things I have told her the FBI wouldn’t be able to get out of me. She was the person that gave me the name “The Piano Boss”. She has been the rock for my bad days and the reassurance on my good days.

My relationship with God grew heavily in the pandemic. After the passing of my Godmother, I found myself searching for a relationship with God. When my Godmother passed, the relationship became stronger. I found God popping up always at a time I needed the reassurance.

Instagram: @_thepianoboss_; @fancyfingerspublishing_

Youtube: Ms.Cece

Other: TikTok- mscecethepb

Image Credits
Revision Photography, LLC.