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Xinya Zhou

Xinya Zhou

Xinya Zhou is a solo cellist, orchestral cellist, chamber musician, and music educator. Xinya began studying cello at age 4. She attended high school at The Sichuan Conservatory of Music and later, earned a bachelor’s degree (BM) in cello performance from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. After graduating from college, she joined the cello section of the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in China. One year later, she was offered a full scholarship and a teaching assistantship in the USA from Bowling Green State University, OH, for a master’s degree (MM) in cello performance. At BGSU, she studied with Dr. Alan Smith and became a member of the Graduate String Quartet, with additional duties as the principal cello of the Bowling Green State University Philharmonia. Meanwhile, she was offered the principal cello position of the Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra in Ohio. After receiving her MM, Xinya was selected for the “Graduate Incentive Award” and pursued the doctoral degree in cello performance (DMA) studying with Mr. Yehuda Hanani at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. She was a core member and frequently, served as principal cellist in several orchestras throughout Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York. Xinya moved to Toronto with her family after upon completion of her doctoral degree in cello performance. She joined the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association. She is playing at the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra, Mandle Symphony Orchestra, Kindred Spirits Orchestra, Brantford Symphony Orchestra, and the Music4Life Ensemble. Many of her students have won several competitions in Toronto, such as North York Music Festival, OMFA Provincial Competition, Unionville Music Competition. She was also invited to be one of the adjudicators for the Unionville Music Competition in Markham. Xinya’s philosophy of teaching involves treating every student, no matter their age or level of development, on an individual basis. She believes that every student has unique qualities and that her responsibility as a teacher is to bring out those qualities without any comparison to others. Her students, comprising all ages, are from all over the US and China. In China, her students received offers from Conservatories of Music, and later, joined some of the top orchestras in China. In the U.S., many of her students attended various music festivals, such as Berkshire High Peaks Music Festival in Massachusetts, and Endless Mountain Music Festival in Pennsylvania. Frequent studio classes and recitals are scheduled to increase performing experiences for her students.

Instrument / Discipline

  • Violoncello

Spoken languages

  • English
  • Chinese (Mandarin)

Specialized in

  • Youth (7-17)
  • Adults (18+)
  • Young Children (under 7)
  • Beginner/Elementary
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

Teaches At

  • Teacher's home
  • Teacher's studio

Credentials

  • 2020 - Doctoral of Musical Arts - University of Cincinnati, College- Conservatory of Music
  • 2013 - Master of Music - Bowling Green State University
  • 2009 - Bachelor of Music - Shanghai Conservatory of Music