In 1959 Hsiao entered the music department at National Taiwan Normal University. As a doctor's son, joining the music profession was accompanied by some personal struggle. He ultimately overcame his misgivings, thanks to the involvement of the principal of his alma mater, Tainan Chang Jung Senior High School.
一九五九年，蕭泰然進入師大音樂系，做為醫師之子，要踏上音樂路，是經過一番掙扎的，這還多虧蕭泰然的母校──台南基督教長榮中學──的校長戴明福居中促成。