​​​Dr. Yezi Chen is a versatile and accomplished musician, excelling as a pianist, chamber musician, lecturer, piano instructor, and active MTNA member. She previously served as music faculty at University of Missouri-Kansas City and Temple University. With a rich academic background and an extensive performance history, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the world of music.​ In 2022, Dr. Chen relocated to Allentown, PA, where she established her own piano studio, continuing her dedication to music education.​ As a dedicated Music Teachers National Association member, Dr. Chen has been sharing her expertise by offering private piano lessons in the Kansas City area since 2016. Her students have achieved excellence and awards in piano competitions and gained admission to music schools.

 

Dr. Chen holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and a Masters Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Kansas (KU). Her doctoral journey was marked by a full scholarship and assistantship at UMKC. She also had the privilege of studying at KU under the guidance of renowned piano and pedagogy professor Dr. Jack Winerock.

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As an educator and lecturer, Dr. Chen is highly sought after for her expertise in piano technique, musical styles, and pedagogy. Her lectures cover a wide array of topics, such as "Music Appreciation: The Beauty of the Sonatas," "Classical Meets Jazz Music," "Piano Pedagogy for Advanced Students," and "Musical Characteristics from Baroque to the 20th Century." Dr. Chen is committed to fostering a deep understanding of music and cultivating a love for piano in her students.

 

Chen has built an impressive career as a versatile pianist, performer, and educator. Her performances have captivated audiences in both China and the United States, with solo recitals and tours at prestigious venues such as the University of Kansas, Nazarene Liberal Arts College, Kansas City Public Library, and UMKC. Known for her engaging lecture recitals, she enriches the musical community by combining performance with insightful commentary. As a collaborative pianist, Chen has worked across a broad range of settings, from piano duos to vocal and instrumental accompaniment. Her versatility extends to opera productions, where she has been participated in many opera productions, demonstrating her depth and range as a collaborative artist.

 

Chen has been recognized with several prestigious awards and scholarships that reflect her dedication and skill. She is a recipient of the Ruth A. Rich Scholarship, Lorraine Watson Scholarship, UMKC Assistantship Scholarship, Women's Committee Scholarship, KCMC Music Scholarship, and Sigma Alpha Iota Scholarship. In addition, Dr. Chen earned Top Prize in the "Professional Artist" category at the WPTA International Piano Competition, where she was also awarded Best Performance of Virtuoso Etude. She has also achieved First Prizes in the Rachmaninoff, Chinese, and Liszt Works categories at the Hong Kong-Asia Piano Open Competition, and received honors at the Deutscher Irmler International Piano Competition and Asian Youth Music Competition. Her achievements highlight her consistent pursuit of excellence and contribution to the field of piano performance.

 

Dr. Chen's journey is marked by artistic excellence and a deep commitment to music that extends beyond performance. Her passion not only resonates in her own playing but also shines through her dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians. Whether through her inspiring recitals, her insightful lectures, or her thoughtful approach to teaching, she consistently fosters a love for music in others. Her contributions to the musical community are both profound and far-reaching, and her unwavering commitment to excellence continues to leave a lasting impact on those she teaches and collaborates with. Dr. Chen’s influence is felt not only in her students' successes but also in the broader appreciation and understanding of piano artistry she inspires in all who encounter her work.​​​