TEACHING

STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Selected achievements of Dr. Li's students

Caia Randich — First Prize | New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | New York, USA — 2025
Winston Sun — First Prize | New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | New York, USA — 2025
Abigail Sun — First Prize | New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | New York, USA — 2025
Jerry Wang — First Prize | New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | New York, USA — 2025
Harper Mcmillan — Third Prize | Special Venue Music Awards | New York, USA — 2025
Harper Mcmillan — First Prize | New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | New York, USA — 2025
Emma Chau — First Prize | Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | Tokyo, Japan — 2025
Leo Zekai Zhang — First Prize | Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | Tokyo, Japan — 2025
Zigu Liu — Accepted with Full Scholarship | Berlin University of the Arts | Berlin, Germany — 2024
Duane Hanks — First Prize (Artist Level) | New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | USA — 2023
Ruohan Deng — First Prize (Concert Level) | New York Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition | USA — 2023
Tracy Chen — Accepted with Full Scholarship | New England Conservatory | Boston, USA — 2017
Mengjie Cai — Accepted | University of Melbourne — Medicine & Piano Performance | Australia — 2016
Tracy Chen — Accepted with Full Scholarship | Royal Conservatory of Music | London, UK — 2015
Phoebe Palmer — Second Prize (Junior Piano) | Chandler Starr Miller Scholarship Competition | Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, IL, USA — 2011
Phebe Palmer — Talent Scholarship | CSA of NIU | IL, USA — 2011
Evan Kim — First Prize (Concert Level) | Geneva Chamber Music Competition | USA — 2010
Suzie Kim — Second Prize (Concert Level) | Geneva Chamber Music Competition | USA — 2010
Rita Wi — Second Prize (Concert Level) | Geneva Chamber Music Competition | USA — 2010
Audrey Palmer — Third Prize (Concert Level) | Geneva Chamber Music Competition | USA — 2009
Tracy Chen — Third Prize | Asian Youth Piano Competition | Hong Kong — 2009

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

My teaching is a form of mentorship, inspired by the generous guidance I received. I aim to "pay it forward" by nurturing students' artistic and personal growth.

My goal is to cultivate a studio known for excellence, where students develop technical precision, expressive freedom, and self-directed learning. I encourage curiosity, drawing inspiration from diverse artistic traditions to help them become well-rounded musicians.

During my tenure as Piano Professor at Hesston College, I deepened my commitment to creating a supportive environment that empowers students to explore their full potential. I devote significant time through comprehensive lessons and studio classes, and my students' successes in competitions like the American Protégé and Golden Classical Music Award reflect their dedication.

Ultimately, my mission is to foster a lifelong love for music. The most rewarding moments are when students surpass their own expectations, discovering resilience and confidence that extends far beyond the piano.