the pianist,
Born in China and now based in New York City, Jixue Yang is a contemporary classical pianist known for her commitment to collaboration, experimentation, and cultural exploration. She merges classical and avant-garde traditions to expand the expressive range of the piano. As the first Chinese citizen admitted to the Manhattan School of Music’s Contemporary Performance Program, she has been recognized for championing experimental piano works worldwide, building a repertoire that bridges Eastern and Western influences.
Awarded the Gold Prize at the Singapore International Music Competition and named Pianist of the Season at the Ad Libitum Piano Competition, Jixue has also garnered multiple top prizes for her performances of 20th- and 21st-century works. She has graced stages worldwide, including venues in the China, Netherlands, Germany, and the United States, and participated in residencies such as Sinuston, Nief-Norf, Avaloch Farm Music Institute, and Cortona Sessions for New Music.
A passionate collaborator, Jixue has premiered numerous solo and chamber works, redefining the piano as a medium for sound, gesture, and narrative through prepared techniques and electronics. A founding member of Apply Triangle, she merges piano, technology, and new music in multimedia performances, blending acoustic and electronic elements. As the keyboardist and the pianist, the trio released the triple albums of Oxalis Triangularis showcasing 33 commissioned electroacoustic works, supported by Chamber Music America’s Ensemble Forward Awards. As both producer and performer, her recent interdisciplinary project imUnsure was selected by THE BLANC, Houston Arts Alliance’s Let Creativity Happen grant, and Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival.
Through premieres and global collaborations, Jixue continues to reshape contemporary piano music with bold, deeply personal performances that challenge conventions and expand artistic boundaries.
and, the educator
Jixue is an experienced music educator with a focus on inclusive pedagogy and student-centered learning. Her teaching philosophy, shaped by her multicultural background as an Asian musician in Western classical traditions, prioritizes accessibility and creative exploration. She has taught and supported students across public and charter schools, universities, and community programs, tailoring her approach to diverse learning needs and skill levels.
Beyond the stage, she engages with audiences through lectures and workshops at institutions like Bowling Green State University, University of Pennsylvania, and Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar, demystifying contemporary techniques and fostering dialogue about music’s evolving language.
With years of teaching experience, Jixue has guided students to success in international competitions while fostering technical precision and artistic individuality. Her work spans institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music, Columbia University, and outreach initiatives like the Misty Copeland Foundation’s Be Bold Program. She specializes in helping students develop critical listening skills, experiment with extended techniques, and build confidence through self-directed creative projects.
Jixue’s commitment to equitable music education is reflected in her collaborations with underserved communities, including residencies at public schools and mentorship programs. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music and is completing her Doctor of Musical Arts at the Manhattan School of Music. Her teachers include Anthony De Mare, Margaret Kampmeier, Phillip Kawin, Solomon Mikowsky, Inesa Sinkevych, and Christopher Oldfather.
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Jixue Yang ｜ 杨继学 