Jingci Liu, a pianist, educator, and collaborative musician, has carved an impressive path in the world of classical music. Originally from Tianjin, China, Liu began her rigorous musical training at the Pre-College of Tianjin Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Zhaohan Song and spent six years developing her technical foundation and discipline. Her early studies provided her with strong fundamentals, and she was encouraged to participate in competitions from the age of seven, which gave her invaluable stage experience. “I played my first concert in Tianjin, performing The Fountain by Carl Böhm. I remember feeling the joy of being on stage, hearing the applause, and realising how much I loved performing,” Liu recalls.

Clara Schumann (1819–1896): Soirées Musicales, Op.6

Her musical journey took a transformative turn when she was introduced to the idea of studying in the United States. “It wasn’t something I planned from the beginning,” she explains. “One of the jurors at a competition I participated in suggested that I consider studying in the U.S., and that conversation planted the seed.” She went on to pursue her Bachelor’s degree with Tianshu Wang in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a Master of Music at Mannes School of Music in New York. Encouraged by her mentor, Pavlina Dokovska, she continued her studies with a Professional Studies Diploma at Mannes before pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Connecticut under Angelina Gadeliya. Throughout her years of study, Liu has actively performed as a soloist and chamber musician while engaging in teaching and collaborative projects in China and the USA.

Competition and Performance Preparation

Jingci Liu

Liu’s extensive experience in competitions has helped her develop a structured approach to preparation. “Musicians often juggle multiple commitments, so time management is key. I create a weekly practice schedule, ensuring I dedicate specific days to different programs,” she shares. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, she strategically selects repertoire, sometimes reusing pieces across competitions and performances. “It’s important to play something you are truly comfortable with. A piece you’ve worked on for years will always showcase your strengths,” she advises.

However, as seen in her decision to perform an all-female composer program for a competition, Liu is also open to challenges. “During the pandemic, I became deeply interested in works by female composers. I decided to compete with pieces by Clara Schumann, Marianna von Martinez, and Lili Boulanger. The judges were pleasantly surprised and appreciated the unique repertoire selection,” she says.

Marianne Von Martinez (1744-1812): Piano Sonata No. 3 in E Major

“Portrait of Beauty” and Future Recording Projects

Liu’s passion for underrepresented composers led to the creation of her debut album, Portrait of Beauty, which features works by seven female composers from the 18th century to the present, including Clara Schumann, Cécile Chaminade, Amy Beach, and Caroline Shaw. This album received highly praised reviews in The New York Review Magazine by Frank Daykin. When asked about the inspiration behind the project, Liu explains, “As I researched, I realized how many incredible works by female composers remain overlooked. There was so much to explore, but due to time limitations, I could only include seven composers in this album.”

Excited about the potential for a second album, Liu is already considering a new project featuring Chinese and American female composers. “I’ve been looking into Florence Price and Missy Mazzoli, among others. I hope to continue this journey of uncovering hidden gems in the piano repertoire,” she says.

Nadia Boulanger (1887–1979): Vers la vie nouvelle

Balancing Motherhood and a Performing Career

Cecile Chaminade (1857-1944) Op. 41 Pierrette Air de Ballet

Liu recently welcomed her first child, which has naturally altered her practice schedule. “In the first two months, I barely practiced, but now that I have established a routine for my baby, I am slowly getting back to playing,” she shares. With upcoming performances in April to July in the country, she is easing into rehearsals by revisiting previously performed repertoire before tackling new pieces.

Liu laughs when asked whether pregnancy or motherhood has influenced her musical tastes. “People say pregnancy changes your taste buds, but I don’t think it changed my musical preferences! However, I find myself drawn to pieces with deeper emotional expression, possibly because I now have a new perspective on life.”

Chamber Music and Duo Performances

Aside from her solo performances, Liu is an avid chamber musician and often performs as a piano duo with her husband, Wenting Yu. While some might find working with a spouse challenging, Liu enjoys the collaboration. “I feel much safer on stage when I play with someone else. The nerves are lower because we support each other musically,” she explains.

Since college, the couple has explored a variety of repertoire, including symphonic transcriptions for one piano. “Chamber music has always been an essential part of my musical journey. Whether performing with my husband or other musicians, I find joy in making music together.”

Jingci Liu

Looking Ahead: Performances and Musical Initiatives

Beyond her performances and recordings, Liu is dedicated to nurturing young musicians. She founded the Young Musicians Showcase in New York City, a program that provides masterclasses, competitions, and performance opportunities for children aged 5 to 18, and open to professional artists for age 19 and up. “I’ve been running it for a few years now, though I’m still working on the legal aspects. My goal is to create more opportunities for young musicians in the local community,” she says.

Looking ahead, Liu’s performance calendar is already booked through February of next year, featuring concerts as a soloist, piano duo partner, and collaborative pianist with instrumentalists and vocalists. As she continues to build her career, Liu remains committed to exploring new repertoire, promoting underrepresented composers, and balancing her roles as a performer, educator, and mother. “It’s not easy, but I love every part of this journey,” she says with a smile.

With her passion and dedication, there is no doubt that Jingci Liu will continue making a significant impact in the world of classical music.

Learn more about JingCi Liu and her album.

For more of the best in classical music, sign up for our E-Newsletter