The bustling lobby of the John Hodgins Engineering (JHE) Building at McMaster University is often graced by the melodious piano performances of Aidan Lao, a software engineering student.
He’s discerning about his music selection. Although classically trained, when playing at the JHE upright, he wants to lighten the mood and opts for jazzier tunes and pop songs over Chopin and Bach sonatas. “I think people enjoy hearing me play, but I’m also doing it for myself as a way to unwind,” he says.
The Royal Conservatory of Music Licentiate Diploma holder – the Conservatory’s highest academic standing for pianists – former piano teacher and national music competition participant keeps his passion for music ignited by regularly playing gigs at corporate events, weddings and retirement homes.
“A lot of people give up their hobbies when they start postsecondary because they feel that there’s no time for it,” says Lao. I want to show engineering students that it’s possible to keep your passions and have creative outlets.”
Piano and programming parallels
Lao’s passion for computer programming is second only to his love for the piano. In high school, he served as the President of the Coding Club for two years, immersing himself in both learning and teaching coding to his peers. This experience made his postsecondary path clear.
“I’d tell people I was going to McMaster for Software Engineering even though I was entering a general first year of engineering,” he recalls with a smile. “That’s how sure I was about pursuing this discipline. I was trying to manifest it.”
Now entering his third year at McMaster, Lao is uncovering parallels between piano and programming. “I love the creativity involved in programming. I’m always learning something new. At my current co-op placement with Deighton Associates Limited in Whitby, Ontario, I’ve spent a lot of time learning about new software and applying it to create innovative solutions,” Lao explains.
What most people don’t realize is that playing music at a high level requires analyzing problems in the sheet music and considering sections in various contexts. I bring that same analytical approach to engineering—examining problems thoroughly to determine the appropriate tools and understand the context before crafting a well-informed solution.
Developing a strong work ethic has been a transferable skill from piano to engineering. “There were pieces of music in high school that I felt I’d never be able to play,” he shares. “With constant dedication and hours of practice, I eventually mastered them. That’s how I approach engineering challenges. There are difficult bugs to sort out in programming, and sometimes it feels like I’ll never solve them. But with focus and tenacity, a solution is always within reach.”
Bridging piano and philanthropy
A point of pride in Lao’s 15 years of piano playing is the concert fundraiser that he held in 2023 and plans to continue this year. The Holiday Christmas Piano Tour raised $1000 for the Ronald MacDonald House Charity adjacent to McMaster’s campus on Main Street.
The tour brought music to retirement home communities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area during what can be a particularly lonely time for some people.
“I want to bring people hope,” says Lao of his concerts. “Getting to play piano is a privilege and whether it’s through donations or sharing my music with others, I’m eager to find ways to give back. Maybe it will show my engineering peers that it’s possible to make a large impact on others, even as a student.”
