Yao studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City on a full scholarship and graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance. In 2017, she started working at the School of Music and Dance of Guangzhou University, where she teaches piano, serves as the artistic director of concerts and competitions, and represents the School in recitals and ensemble concerts. She has given recitals and ensemble concerts at Chongqing Guotai Art Center, Xinghai Conservatory of Music and Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, among others.

In 2018, she received the Outstanding Piano Accompaniment Award at the 4th National Higher Education Institutions Vocal Music Academic Forum of the 6th Peafowl Award – National Higher Education Arts Institutions Vocal Performances in 2018, and has won the Outstanding Teacher Award at piano competitions at home and abroad. She has served as a member of the jury for piano competitions, and as a judge of the music practical examination of the National College Entrance Examination in Guangdong Province.