Gray School of Music, Piano Faculty, Teacher

Xiaomin Yi Born in China, Ms. Xiaomin Yi started piano at the age of 7 and entered Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China at the age of 11. She graduated with top honors and received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Shanghai Conservatory of Music. She earned a Masters of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Texas Christian University. She also earned a Masters of Music Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, and an Artist Certificate in Piano Performance from Southern Methodist University where she studied with the well-known pianist Joaquin Achucarro.

In addition to her scholastic achievements, Ms. Yi has a rich and diversified teaching experience. She started to teach private piano lessons at the age of 13. She taught private lessons to students of all ages from 4 to adults, and all levels from beginners to advanced. She also taught Group Piano classes of all levels from beginner to collage level students, as well as including musicianship, theory, and performance master class. Many of Ms.Yi’s students performed in various festivals and auditions with good comments from judges and won prizes in contests and competitions.

As a soloist, Ms. Yi has performed extensively not only in the United States, but also in China. She performed the Brahms 1st Piano Concerto with the China National Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra and with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. She also performed solo recitals and chamber recitals in many cities in the U.S and China. Ms. Yi has been the winner of international and national piano competitions. Such as the First Prize in the 1996 National Piano Concerto Competition and in the 1998 Piano Competition of Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China, and the second prize in the 1997 WAKI International Piano Competition in Japan, and the sixth prize in the 1995 Stravinsky International Piano Competition in U.S. She has also been awarded the first prizes by BMG Music Awards and Chengxan Fu Awards.

With such a background, Ms. Yi offers a unique approach to teaching the piano, using both her creative and analytical training to design effective, balanced, individualized programs to help students to achieve their musical goals.

Ms. Yi is a member of CMTA, the Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA), and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Ms. Yi enjoys watching movie, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends.