Biography

Born in Sichuan, China, Jiachen Li began his piano studies at the age of seven. In 2013, he was admitted to Sichuan Conservatory of Music, where he studied under Professor Wang Mai and developed a strong foundation in both solo and collaborative piano performance. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance in 2017.

Seeking to broaden his musical horizons, Jiachen moved to the United States, where he earned a performance certificate from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Music degree from Cleveland State University. During his time at Cleveland State, he was awarded a full scholarship and received the Joan Terri Ronis Award in recognition of his excellence as a graduate assistant. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Alabama under the mentorship of Dr. Kevin Chance. His former teachers include esteemed pianists and pedagogues Thomas Rosenkranz, Solungga Liu, Joela Jones, and Angelin Chang.

Jiachen is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teachers National Association, a credential that reflects his professional commitment to high standards in music education and continuing growth as a pedagogue. Since beginning his teaching career in Cleveland, Ohio, he has taught more than 50 students from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. In addition to teaching, he has contributed to the broader music education community by co-presenting the "Concert for Joy" community engagement project at the 2024 MTNA National Conference and volunteering at various events hosted by regional chapters of the Alabama Music Teachers Association.

He has also served as an adjudicator for the National Federation of Music Clubs festivals in both Cleveland, Ohio, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offering thoughtful and constructive feedback to young musicians at different stages of their development.

As a performer, Jiachen is equally accomplished as a soloist and collaborative artist. He was the rehearsal pianist for the University of Alabama Opera Theatre during the 2022–2023 season and currently serves as a full-time graduate assistant for the University of Alabama School of Theater and Dance, where he works closely with musical theatre and dance faculty and students.

Jiachen has been recognized in numerous competitions. He was the winner of the 2024 Alabama Music Teachers Association Competition (Graduate Division) and received third prize in the 2021 MASNO New Orleans Piano Institute Virtuoso International Competition (Young Artist Division). As a collaborative artist, he recently performed with violinist Daniel Torres as part of the Washington International Young Artist Music Series at the Catholic University of America.