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I’m a Music Director

May/June 2026
By Eric Kang as told to Ellen Song | Illustrations by Rafael Alvarez

Courtesy of Eric Kang

Eric Kang

Eric Kang started playing music in elementary school, beginning with the piano and cello. He wrote his first piece of music at age 9, when he composed a part for violas in his school orchestra. As an adult, Eric took his talents to the world of musical theater. He’s performed with orchestras in Broadway shows in New York City and on tour.

Today Eric works as a professional pianist and the associate music director of a Broadway musical. Depending on the day, he may be leading rehearsals, playing with the band, conducting (directing the music through physical gestures), or making sure the music sounds good from the stage. Eric says the work is exciting, because no two shows are the same. “We’re always trying to tell the story a little better each time,” he says.

I’ve played music since I was young, but it wasn’t until I was in eighth grade that I started to feel a deep connection to it. That year, I accompanied the school choir on piano for the first time. It was an amazing experience.

In college, I decided to study music. I also participated in music-related activities, like directing an a cappella group, which performs songs without instruments.

After getting my master’s degree, I played for several musicals on tour. The band usually plays in a lowered area called the pit, but in one musical, we played on the stage!

A big part of my job is giving helpful feedback to performers. I like to give notes in person first, then send emails summarizing what we talked about.

I love making music with other artists, especially in the service of a story that resonates with audiences. It’s so rewarding to talk to people who enjoyed the show.

Eric’s Advice for Becoming a Music Director

Although a degree is not required, most music directors have a four-year degree in music, and many have a master’s degree. Eric’s master’s is in collaborative piano, the study of playing piano with other musicians. “There’s a lot of technical information to learn,” Eric says.

Eric says music directors need to be . . .

  • proficient at playing multiple musical instruments.
  • extroverted or at least able to work with a lot of other people.
  • able to focus deeply for many hours at a time.
  • excellent at giving constructive feedback.
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