Xu Yuyan, MM

Yuyan Xu is an internationally recognized Guzheng performer, educator, and ensemble director whose career bridges performance, teaching, and scholarship. She received her formal musical training at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China and later earned a master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University in California. During her studies, she was mentored by Professor Zhou Wang, one of China’s most esteemed Guzheng performers and educators.

Xu has distinguished herself in numerous national and international competitions, earning multiple first-place awards that highlight both her technical mastery and expressive artistry. Her performance career spans a wide range of solo and ensemble appearances, with a repertoire that combines traditional Chinese classics and contemporary works.

As an educator, Xu has cultivated a generation of accomplished Guzheng students. Many of her students have gone on to win top prizes at major music competitions, including the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition, the World Chinese Arts Festival, and other prestigious global events showcasing Chinese arts. In recognition of her teaching excellence, she has received numerous “Excellent Teacher” awards from respected music institutions and competition organizers.

Xu is a sought-after adjudicator for high-profile music competitions, such as the China Children’s Little Golden Bell Award Music Competition, the China Golden Lotus Music Competition, and the MAP International Music Competition. Her insights into performance and pedagogy have made her a respected voice in the field.

In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Xu is also an active scholar. She has published teaching and research articles in leading Chinese music journals such as Musical Instrument Magazine and Northern Music, and has served as a guest editor for Star Coordinates, a prominent publication in the field of music education and research.

Xu is the founder and artistic director of a Guzheng ensemble that performs regularly in both community and international settings. Under her leadership, the ensemble has received global recognition, including a first prize at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in the United Kingdom. The group has also performed at esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, showcasing the richness and versatility of Chinese traditional music to global audiences.

With her unique blend of artistic vision, academic insight, and educational dedication, Yuyan Xu continues to be a leading figure in the promotion and development of Guzheng music on the world stage.

Education

• MM Guzheng Performance, Azusa Pacific University
• BM, Xinghai Conservatory of Music

Academic Area

• School of the Arts

Courses Taught

• Applied Guzheng Lessons