Piano Faculty

Dr. Xinying is a pianist, music educator, and performer dedicated to inspiring students through artistic excellence, individualized instruction, and a lifelong appreciation for music. She began studying piano at the age of six, and music has remained at the center of her academic, professional, and artistic journey ever since.

Dr. Xinying holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from The Ohio State University. She also earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Nanjing Normal University. Her diverse academic training allows her to combine advanced performance expertise with effective pedagogical approaches, creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages and levels.

As an active performer, Dr. Xinying has received top honors in several prestigious piano competitions in the United States. In recognition of her artistic achievements, she has been invited to perform at distinguished venues including Sanders Theatre at Harvard University and Carnegie Hall in New York City. Her repertoire spans a wide range of styles, from Baroque and Classical masterpieces to Romantic and contemporary works.

In addition to her performance career, Dr. Xinying is a passionate and experienced educator with nearly ten years of teaching experience. Since beginning her teaching career during her undergraduate studies, she has worked with more than 100+ students, including young beginners, advanced pre-college pianists, adult learners, competition participants, and students preparing for university music programs. Her students have consistently achieved outstanding results in both Chinese and international music examinations, maintaining a 100% pass rate, with many earning Distinction and Excellent ratings. Numerous students have also received awards in competitions and successfully gained admission to music degree programs and prestigious universities.

Dr. Xinying believes that every student possesses unique strengths, learning styles, and musical goals. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the development of a strong technical foundation, artistic expression, critical listening skills, and independent musicianship. Whether working with young children discovering music for the first time or advanced students pursuing professional aspirations, she strives to create a supportive, motivating, and inspiring learning environment that encourages both musical growth and personal confidence.

Currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Xinying maintains an active private piano studio while continuing to perform as a soloist and collaborative pianist.