Studio For Piano Arts
Mr. YiFan Liu
Mr. Yi-Fan Liu is a Chinese classical pianist and pedagogue who has made significant contributions to the music world since his early years. Born in Chengdu, China, at just 18 years old, Mr. Liu became the first Chinese musician to win an international award after the Chinese Cultural Revolution when he claimed the J. Nowrockej Prize at the 10th International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland in 1980. The Polish People’s Daily proclaiming that the name of Yi-Fan Liu must be forever remembered by all Poles. Following this groundbreaking achievement, Mr. Liu's career flourished. He was invited back to perform at the 36th International Chopin Festival in Duszniki-Zdroi, Poland the next year, with one of his recitals was live-broadcasted nationwide by Polish Radio. Renowned Polish critic Jan Popis compared Liu to K. Zimmerman, praising his youthful spontaneity and remarkable intuition.
In 1983, he clinched the 1st prize at the First All China National Piano Competition in Beijing, solidifying his reputation as one of the leading Chinese pianists of his generation. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to music, he received the Distinguished Musical Achievement Award from the Chinese Musicians’ Association in 1996. Mr. Liu’s performances have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him praise from critics. The LA Times hailed him as “a pianist with great feeling, touch, and style,” while the Jackson Clarion Ledger commended his poetry and virtuosity.
Alongside his performing career, Mr. Liu is a highly sought-after piano teacher. In 2019, he was inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame and received a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives. His students have achieved remarkable success in numerous international and national piano competitions, including the prestigious MTNA Kawai Junior National Competition. Mr. Liu conducts masterclasses at conservatories, universities, and summer festivals in China, Canada, and the United States, and serves as a jury member for numerous piano competitions. Since 2018, he has served as an honorary visiting piano professor at the Conservatory of Sichuan in China.
Ms. Yang Jiang
Ms. Jiang graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1984 and then pursued further studies in the United States. She initially studied at Queens College, SUNY, in New York, before transferring to Mannes College of Music, where she studied under the Baroque master Edward Aldwell. After graduating in 1988, she and her husband, Mr. Liu, arrived in Dallas and she served as a collaborative pianist at University of North Texas. Together with Mr. Liu, she has organized numerous duet piano concerts in Dallas, San Antonio, San Angelo, Shreveport and Jackson.
Ms. Jiang is passionate about piano music education and outreach, particularly emphasizing the technical and musical training for young children. Her teaching philosophy has been fully realized in many award-winning students, such as Joey Zhou, Karen Kwong, Emily Tan, XiMei Li, Sarah Wang, and Jessica Zhang, among others. While these students vary in personality and ability, they have all benefited from Ms. Jiang's thoughtful and careful instructions, establishing solid musical foundations, developing proper learning and performing habits, and enhancing their music comprehension and confidence. The achievements and growth of many students are inseparable from Ms. Jiang's dedication and hard work.
it is unfortunate that due to her preference for privacy and reluctance to join any organizations, Ms. Jiang has not received the recognition she deserves. However, her impact on her students and the music community is undeniable, and her dedication to children's piano education has undoubtedly made a significant difference in the lives of many.
In 2016, Ms. Jiang served as a jury member at the 9th China Ningxia Ormeile International Piano Art Festival and the 25th American Music Open Competition China Zone. the following year, she once again participated as a jury member for the 26th American Music Open Competition China Zone held in Hangzhou, China. Additionally, during those events, she conducted open classes, providing valuable instruction to many young students.
Under the careful guidance of Ms. Jiang and Mr. Liu, the Studio for Piano Arts they founded in Dallas has a rich history of thirty-five years and has nurtured countless exceptional young pianists. These students, whether they have garnered accolades in competitions in the United States and oversea or not, have experienced the satisfaction of success through their diligent efforts, continuous self-improvement, and pursuit of excellence on their musical journey. They recognize that, even if they choose different career paths in the future, the piano will forever remain a vital part of their lives, and they take pride in it.