About Esther Ling

Esther Ling, is an expressive and inventive artist; a Canadian pianist and soulful composer, most recognized for her poignant songwriting. 

 

Her soul-crafted melodies linger like memories, and artful lyrics feel like confessions whispered in the dark that can awaken deep emotions.

 

Marked by her raw honesty and musical vulnerability, Esther fearlessly experiments beyond typical chord progressions, standard instrumental arrangements and boldly weaves stories of true people in her lyric writing.   

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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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"I see a song like a short film; a musical experience that will touch and stir something in your soul. My music delivers a chance for a release, be it in tears or laughter, a memory brought back to life, or a dream that suddenly makes sense. You will feel everything from a familiar heartbreak or a romantic affair, falling in love or making love, feeling beautiful or powerful... all of the things that makes us human; that can exist in a story of song."

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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, 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.

 

Live Music

 

As a versatile pianist and and singer-songwriter, Esther shares intimate stories through her original songs and jazz/neo-soul covers, performing locally at small-scale venues and songwriter circles.

 

At weddings, she provides elegant and timeless, modern piano music for ceremonies and cocktail. 

 

Esther supports community musicians, schools and students as an accompanist and keyboard player in both contemporary, popular and classical music.  

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Esther currently lives in Calgary, Alberta with her family. Outside of music, you will often find her soaking up the sounds of nature on her bicycle rides, tending to her flower garden, or attempting 3-point shoots at the basketball net with her two children.