About
Professional Biography – Wayne Li
Music Education
A distinguished musician with a rich educational background, Wayne Li received an Honorable Mention Award at the 1984 Chinese National Violin Competition as one of the youngest performers. He graduated from the world-renowned Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1990, furthering his studies at the University of Houston from 1992 to 1996, where he earned First Prize at the University Concerto Competition in 1993. His graduate studies included performances with the Houston Grand Opera, Ballet, and Pop Orchestras from 1993 to 1996. In 2001, he obtained a Master’s degree from Denver University.
Performing Career
Bringing decades of expertise to the stage, Wayne Li joined the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra as Assistant Principal Violist in 1996, later becoming a member of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra in 1998. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of collaborating with world-renowned artists and musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Pinchas Zukerman, further solidifying his reputation as a seasoned professional in the classical music industry.
Teaching & Mentorship
With over 25 years of teaching experience, Wayne Li has nurtured and inspired countless aspiring musicians. His instructional journey began as a Teaching Assistant at the Encore Music Festival in 1993 and continued through his work with the Colorado Symphony Summer Camp in 1999.
Since relocating to the DFW area in 2001, he has been an active member of TMEA (Texas Music Educators Association), mentoring students who have excelled in TMEA All-State and All-Region tryouts. His students have consistently earned top placements, including Regional 1st Chair Violins and Violas, with notable names such as Carol Liu (HS Violin, Region 3), Kyle Han (MS Violin, Region 25), Becky Glass (MS Viola, Region 25), Justin Lyan (HS Viola, Region 25), Serena Cheng, Kevin Lin, and William Leung (MS Viola, Region 25). Many of his students have gone on to pursue professional music degrees, attending prestigious institutions such as Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the Cleveland Institute of Music.
He is passionate about unleashing artistic innovation and delivering top-notch music training to students of all ages, specializing in violin and viola. Witnessing students’ musical growth is a joy, and he enjoys connecting with and assisting a diverse range of learners.