Exploring Musical Connections Across Diverse Styles
Hailed by the renowned American pianist and educator Dr. Marilyn Nonken, “Katherine Wenyi Xiong is an exciting young artist whose pianism is filled with color, drama, and honest emotional expression. She brings thoughtfulness and passion to every performance.”
From June 6-8, 2025, Dr. Xiong will share her artistic perspective at the Pennsylvania Music Teachers National Association Conference at Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA. This conference is a vital beacon within the music community, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to distinction in the music industry. Dr. Xiong’s presentation and recital represent the intersection of Western and Eastern musical traditions, elaborating on the teaching approaches to collaborate with students in music.
Her approach to selecting and interpreting repertoire has drawn attention from music scholars seeking fresh perspectives on diverse musical elements through piano performance.
During the conference, Dr. Xiong will lead a session focusing on selected music compositions by Toru Takemitsu.
Participants can expect to gain:
- Context about Takemitsu’s compositional approach
- Analytical perspectives on Classical and Contemporary music
- Considerations for performance practice
This session will particularly benefit musicians seeking to enhance their familiarity with intercultural repertoire. Dr. Xiong’s lecture will specifically elucidate how Takemitsu’s dual foundation in Japanese traditional music and Western musical principles has shaped his distinctive style. Additionally, the session will address the enduring impact of his legacy on music across various generations globally.
Photo Courtesy: Katherine Xiong
Professional Background and Recognition
Dr. Xiong’s June 2025 PMTA conference participation follows several notable career developments.
She is a laureate of numerous competitions, having achieved second place at the Fifth Finland International Piano Competition and the Eighth ENKOR International Piano Competition in England. She also won first prize at the Charleston International Music Competition, first place at the 37th Annual Graduate Exhibition at Pennsylvania State University, the Director’s Distinguished Performance Awards at Penn State University for two consecutive years (2022-2023), and the Ann Arbor Camerata Concerto Competition. Additionally, she secured first place at the Yamaha Asian Music Scholarship Competition. She received third prize at the “Xing Hai Cup” National Piano Competition in Beijing, the Fifth Shenzhen Piano Open Competition, the World Chinese Piano Competition, and the Toyama Asia Youth Music Competition. Dr. Xiong’s recent highlights include piano recital serials on the East Coast of the United States, the annual Honors Recital at NYU, the piano recital at NYU Tando School of Engineering, the world premiere of New Music at the annual Tutte Le Corde concert in New York City, piano recitals in the NYU outreach series, an Artist Guest Recital at Capital University in Ohio, and a concert at City Hall in North Carolina. Additionally, Dr. Xiong has performed Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor with the University of Michigan Orchestra in Ann Arbor and showcased the Yellow River Piano Concerto with the Changsha Symphony.
Dr. Xiong’s educational contributions include the Adjunct Faculty in Piano at New York University, the Artistic Director for the Bay Area Piano Competition, and as an Adjudicator for the Music International Grand Prix Competition in NYC, the Charleston International Music Competition, and the Music Teachers National Association – Pennsylvania State Competition.
Dr. Xiong’s diverse experiences in performance, competition, and education have cultivated a comprehensive perspective that informs her performance and pedagogical methods. This background equips her to address various dimensions of musical development in her conference presentations.
Photo Courtesy: Katherine Xiong
Dr. Xiong holds degrees in piano performance, including a high-school diploma and the Bachelor of Music from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. She earned the Master of Music from the University of Michigan, where she also fulfilled the role of Departmental and Curricular Assistant. Additionally, she obtained the Doctor of Musical Arts from Pennsylvania State University, a program in which she was awarded one of two highly competitive three-year graduate teaching assistantships. Furthermore, Dr. Xiong completed an Artist Diploma in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at New York University. Her principal teachers include Manuel Laufer, Timothy Shafer, and Christopher Harding.
This impressive array of qualifications and practical experience positions Dr. Xiong to make significant contributions to music education initiatives.
Photo Courtesy: Katherine Xiong
Professional Development Opportunity
Participants attending the conference scheduled for June 6-8, 2025, will gain valuable insights into the following areas:
- Innovative approaches to fostering collaborative pathways within the field of music
- Practical strategies for integrating diverse musical repertoires and interdisciplinary concepts into teaching practices
- Key insights derived from Dr. Xiong’s artistic development
Dr. Xiong’s upcoming lecture and recital at the PMTA Conference mark a significant milestone in her career as a musician dedicated to performance and education. Her contributions offer valuable insights for musicians and music educators. Furthermore, her involvement aligns with the mission of the Music Teachers National Association, which aims to showcase artists capable of inspiring meaningful dialogue regarding the evolving roles of music in the professional teaching community.
Published by Joseph P.
