Xiaoli Chen
Instruments taught: Violin, Viola
Styles taught: Classic, Western Fiddle, Chinese music, and Suzuki
Phone: (408) 480-2518
Email: xiaoliviolin@gmail.com
Ages taught: 5+
Languages taught: English, Mandarin
Offers in-person & virtual lessons
Based in Cupertino, CA
Accomplished violinist with a Master of Music degree, specializing in violin performance. Celebrated for exceptional technical proficiency, deep emotional interpretation, and versatility across classical, romantic, contemporary, and Chinese traditional repertoires. Winner of First Prize in the 18+ Chinese Repertoire Category at the 2019 International Music Competition (hosted by Music Teachers’ Association of California – MTAC). Committed to bridging cultural boundaries through violin artistry, delivering evocative and transformative experiences to diverse audiences. Experienced performer, educator, and collaborator passionate about teaching and cross-genre projects.
Education
Master of Music (M.M.) in Violin Performance
University of New Mexico (or relevant institution; dates if available)
• Principal Teacher/Professor: Leonard Felberg (Professor Emeritus of Violin, University of New Mexico)
• Intensive applied study in advanced violin technique, interpretive artistry, and broad repertoire development, including classical, romantic, contemporary, and adaptations of Chinese traditional music.
• Participated in numerous orchestral performances, chamber ensembles, and solo projects, gaining extensive stage experience.
• Graduate Recital (highly acclaimed):
• Johannes Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Major
• J.S. Bach: Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D Minor
• Claude Debussy: Violin Sonata
• Chinese repertoire: Fisherman’s Harvest Song (丰收渔歌)
Professional Achievements & Performances
• First Prize, 2019 International Music Competition – Violin 18+ Chinese Repertoire Category (MTAC, Northern California)
• Unanimous jury praise for profound insight and masterful execution of Chinese compositions.
• Solo recital performances for UNESCO.
• Frequently invited as soloist by various organizations, ensembles, and cultural groups.
• Active soloist and orchestral musician, presenting standard and contemporary works.
Teaching Experience
Passionate violin educator with extensive experience since age 19, teaching students of all ages—from toddlers (as young as 2–3 years) through kindergarten, elementary, middle, high school, and adults up to 78 years old.
Teaching Philosophy:
• Individualized instruction (yin cai shi jiao) – customizing methods, repertoire, and approaches to each student’s unique needs, personality, and goals.
• Primary focus on building a solid, natural foundation: correct and relaxed violin/bow hold, deliberate slow practice for beautiful tone production; left-hand intonation, finger strength, and agility; rhythm and sight-reading through fun, game-based activities to foster enjoyment in learning.
• Core belief: Every child possesses innate talent; the teacher’s role is to discover, nurture, and never abandon it—no potential is dismissed, no student is given up on.
• Ongoing Professional Development: Regularly attends violin masterclasses and continuously reflects on effective, beloved teaching practices to help students progress rapidly while loving the process.
Chamber Music & Cross-Genre Collaboration
• Active member of chamber music circles, including participation in the California Chamber Music Association, performing repertoire spanning classical to modern eras.
• Collaborations across artistic disciplines and cross-cultural projects, highlighting the violin’s versatility and expressive range.
Performance Highlights
• Classical Repertoire: Proficient in core violin works from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
• Chinese Repertoire: Specialist in traditional and modern Chinese violin classics, including:
• The Butterfly Lovers (梁祝)
• Morning in the Miao Mountains (苗岭早晨)
• Celebrating the Harvest (庆丰收)
• Emphasis on authentic cultural expression combined with contemporary interpretive approaches.
• Contemporary & Crossover: Explores modern compositions and genre fusion, including performances blending fiddle tunes and other styles.
Professional Skills
• Violin Performance: Advanced technique across Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary idioms, with particular strength in nuanced, expressive interpretations of Chinese music.
• Musical Interpretation: Ability to convey complex emotional narratives while faithfully realizing composers’ intentions.
• Languages: Fluent in Mandarin and English, supporting international collaboration and communication.
Honors & Awards
• 2019 First Prize – International Music Competition, Violin 18+ Chinese Repertoire Category
Artistic Philosophy
Music serves as a profound bridge across cultures and emotions. Through the violin’s distinctive voice, Xiaoli Chen integrates traditional and modern elements, Eastern and Western musical languages, to inspire resonance, enlightenment, and shared humanity in audiences worldwide. Her style emphasizes emotional subtlety, technical precision, and deep cultural understanding, aiming to create authentic, heartfelt artistic moments in every performance.