Teaches in Southern California

From Monterey Park, California

Plays and Piano

About

Mi Zhou began his piano studies at the age of six and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication. At 19, he gained admission to the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in China, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of piano performance. At 23, after relocating to the United States with his family, Mi was awarded a full scholarship to the Eastman School of Music, one of the world’s leading music institutions. There, he studied under Cliburn Competition winner Alexander Kobrin, a distinguished pianist and educator. Mi performed numerous solo recitals and charity concerts, each of which was met with critical acclaim for his technical precision, interpretive depth, and emotional expressiveness.

Following his time at Eastman, Mi was accepted into the Manhattan School of Music, where he continued his studies under another Cliburn Competition winner, Olga Kern. Under her guidance, Mi expanded his repertoire to include a wide range of challenging pieces, mastering works that require advanced technique and profound musical insight. His performances displayed his command over complex compositions and his ability to convey nuanced interpretations, solidifying his reputation as a highly skilled pianist. In 2024, Mi was invited to serve as a judge for a piano competition at Carnegie Hall, where he also performed. His participation in this event was widely covered by several major New York media outlets, underscoring his growing influence and recognition in the music community.

Mi Zhou’s teaching approach is as distinctive as his performance style. Known for his humor and approachable nature, he makes complex musical concepts accessible and engaging. He emphasizes a strong foundation in technique while fostering students’ overall musical literacy, encouraging them to develop their own interpretive voices. His students experience rapid improvement in their performance abilities and often achieve remarkable success. Many of Mi’s students have been accepted into top conservatories and music schools worldwide, including the Eastman School of Music, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, and the Tianjin Juilliard School.

Mi Zhou continues to inspire both audiences and students with his dedication to excellence, deep musical understanding, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.