Meet Mary Yildirim | Piano Instructor and Accompanist

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

Hi Mary, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me, pursuing a creative career doesn’t feel like a decision so much as a reflection of how I’m wired. It’s part of my everyday life—I wake up thinking about it, carry it with me through work, and fall asleep with ideas still on my mind. It feels less like a job and more like a way of moving through the world.

Over time, I’ve realized that creativity, especially through teaching and music, is deeply tied to becoming a better, more aware person. It’s not just about skill or output—it’s about understanding people, emotion, and perspective. I’ve found myself drawn to philosophy and ethics alongside my craft, because they seem to ask the same questions in different ways.

The more I explore both, the more they connect. Creativity pushes me to be more attentive, more empathetic, and more honest, and that carries into every part of my life. In that sense, this path has shaped not just what I do, but who I am—and I feel genuinely grateful that I get to call it my career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets my work apart is that I focus on building lessons around a student’s sense of progress, not just what I think the outcome should look like. I pay a lot of attention to small wins, because those moments of success build confidence and make learning feel personal and sustainable.

What I’m most proud of is seeing my students recognize their own growth. When they feel accomplished and genuinely proud of themselves, that’s the most meaningful result for me.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that becoming a better teacher and musician starts with becoming a better person. The more aware, patient, and thoughtful I am, the more that translates into my work.

I’m also naturally a more reserved and introspective person, especially as a performer. But I think that perspective allows me to connect with students in a quieter, more thoughtful way, which has become an important part of my approach.

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.
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d show them the city the way I live it—full of energy, creativity, and good taste. Mornings would start with coffee in North Park, followed by a stroll through its art galleries. Afternoons would take us through Little Italy and downtown, stopping for casual bites, wine, and cocktails along the way.

We’d spend sunny days at Coronado and La Jolla, taking in the ocean and watching the sea lions play. Evenings would be for dinners at my favorite local spots, savoring food and drinks while soaking up the city’s atmosphere.

By the end of the week, they’d get a mix of art, coffee, wine, cocktails, beaches, and sea lions—the parts of San Diego that make it feel alive to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My students, students’ parents, and church community

Website: https://pianolessonsbymary.wixsite.com/website

Image Credits
Jose Cuevas