About 

Known to her audiences as Esther Ling, Yun Shyuan Ling is a Malaysian-Chinese Canadian pianist and soulful composer, most recognized for her poignant songwriting. ​

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In every note she writes and sings, Esther shares a part of her story, inviting you to listen, feel, and journey with her through song. Through music, she gives voice to the stories of others—often raw and emotional—shaping them into something meaningful, heartfelt, and beautiful.

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"My music promises an experience to release unspoken words, feelings. Listen as I tell in gentle song what the people struggle to hear in an overwhelming, noisy world."

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Her debut single, “Pink Walls”, brought a profound message on domestic violence; it was featured on CBC Radio, CKUA Radio, independent radio stations worldwide, and used by women shelter organizations in domestic violence campaigns across USA and Canada. ​

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Her debut children's song, "Cheeky Wind" is the winning song of the 2025 Grande Prairie Boys Choir Songwriting Competition and her first dive into choral composition, of which was premiered by the Grande Prairie Boys Choir, receiving local acclaim for its charm and creativity. 

 

She continues to write music, sharing intimate stories through the gift of song -- hoping that her listeners can find a vestige of the healing and connection that music is for her: ​

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Story

Esther was born and raised in Malaysia, and started playing the piano at the age of 6. 

 

She grew up with a father who generously shared his love for Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, and a mother who adored Mando-pop artists, Jacky Cheung and Anita Mui; making classic and ballad music from the 70s and 80s the backdrop of what Esther would soak in herself. 

 

After completing her classical training in piano and music theory, she spun off to a degree, then a career, in engineering, before life brought her in full circle to music again through an unexpected form:

 

Finding herself teaching her own daughter piano, she decided to pursue what she hadn’t had the chance to before. Since then, she finished a music performance diploma and continues to further her education—all as she learns about music performance, songwriting and keeps creating her own.

 

Music Education

 

Esther began her formal music education studying piano and music theory under the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) (UK) and graduated with complete conservatory certification in 1999. 

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During the Covid pandemic, she actively developed her skills by training online with concert pianists, Dr. Sabrina Chang and Derek Chiu on piano pedagogy and music performance psychology. 

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In 2022, she returned to formal music studies at the Northwestern Polytechnic (former Grande Prairie Regional College) where she learned piano performance, and songwriting.

 

An unexpected closure of the music program in 2023 made her resilient in fighting for her rights to graduate. It brought her on an unconventional journey where she reshaped her education by completing a unique combination of online courses and learning hours through live music performance work with various ensembles in the Peace Region. 

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Esther remotely trained in jazz piano and composition with Edmonton-based artist, Chris Andrew, expanding her artistry in jazz piano performance. In 2024, she was awarded her music performance diploma and had significantly contributed her music to the Grande Prairie community.

 

Recently accepted as an Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Center (CMC), Esther continues to grow her craft across all genres. She currently lives in Calgary, Alberta. with her family and continues to support the local music community and grow her artistry in songwriting.

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