Pianist, educator, and collaborative musician Rui Xi is dedicated to helping students develop technical fluency, musical understanding, and artistic confidence. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at Arizona State University, where she studies with Dr. Cathal Breslin and previously served as a Teaching Assistant and Faculty Associate in Piano, teaching applied and group piano and coaching undergraduate chamber music. She also holds a Performer Diploma and Master of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University Bloomington and a Bachelor of Music from Xi’an Conservatory of Music. Xi has been greatly influenced by the distinguished teachers with whom she has studied. Her principal teachers include Cathal Breslin, Gregory Sioles, Edward Auer.

Xi currently teaches piano at the ASU Community School in Arizona, working with students of diverse ages and experience levels. Her teaching experience also includes the Young Pianists Program at Indiana University, where she worked with young pianists and beginner-level students, as well as private piano teaching through Rowan Piano Institute and Phoenix Music Lessons. Her experience as a performer, collaborative pianist, and accompanist further informs her teaching, fostering careful listening, healthy technique, flexibility, and expressive music-making.

Experience

  • Teaching Assistant & Faculty Associate in Piano Arizona State University, School of Music — Tempe, AZ 08/2023 — 05/2025

    Taught applied and group piano to undergraduate music majors and non-majors; coached undergraduate chamber music ensembles.

  • Piano Instructor ASU Community School — Tempe, AZ 05/2025 — Present

    Teaches applied piano to students of diverse ages and experience levels through Arizona State University's community music school.

  • Piano Faculty Young Pianists Program, Indiana University — Bloomington, IN 08/2022 — 05/2023

    Served on the piano faculty, instructing young pianists and beginner-level students in technique, repertoire, and musicianship.

  • Piano Instructor Rowan Piano Institute — Tempe, AZ 10/2025 — Present

    Provides private piano instruction to students across a range of ages and skill levels.

  • Piano Instructor Phoenix Music Lessons — Phoenix, AZ 09/2025 — 01/2026

    Taught private piano lessons to students of varying ages and backgrounds.