Iris Xiaoqing Li

Iris graduated from China’s Top 1 conservatory, the Central Conservatory of Music. She is currently a specially appointed Music Professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing and a PhD researcher in Ethnomusicology at the University of Aveiro in Portugal.

Her university teaching experience spans China, the US, and Europe. She has taught Guzheng and Chinese Ensemble at Florida State University and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

As a professional Guzheng performer, Iris has worked with the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre and Qinhuangdao Traditional Chinese Orchestra. Performance highlights include the Spring Festival Concert at the National Library of China, the Silk Road Art Festival, a Guzheng performance at the Palace Museum broadcast by CCTV, and a world music ensemble tour across Florida. She has also performed Guzheng for European leaders, including former Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta and former Serbian President Boris Tadić.

With 14 years of teaching experience, she brings extensive professional, academic, and international experience to her Guzheng teaching.

My teaching style is patient, systematic, and highly individualized. With a background in educational psychology and certification in music therapy, as well as experience working with children with autism and adults in mental health rehabilitation, I understand that every student learns differently.

Lessons are adapted to each student’s age, level, interests, learning pace, and goals. I focus on building solid technique while keeping lessons enjoyable, encouraging, and musically meaningful.

Complete beginners and hobby learners are especially welcome, while advanced and pre-professional students can receive more intensive guidance in technique, repertoire, musical expression, examinations, auditions, and conservatory preparation.