Dr. Xinran Zhang

Dr. Xinran Zhang is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in Cello Performance at the University of North Texas (UNT). She earned her Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), one of the nation’s premier conservatories, where she studied with Professor Richard Weiss, Head of the Cello Department. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Renmin University of China, graduating with honors.

As an accomplished performer, Xinran has appeared with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra, and was selected as Assistant Principal Cellist for the prestigious Cleveland Orchestra Side-by-Side Concert. She previously served as Principal Cellist of the Renmin University of China Orchestra and has performed extensively as both a soloist and chamber musician.

Xinran has participated in internationally recognized music festivals, including the Kent Blossom Music Festival and the Beijing International Music Festival. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including First Prize in the Hummingbird Chamber Music Competition, First Prize in the Renmin University of China Music Competition, the Grand Prize Scholarship, and prizes in the Prokofiev Chamber Music Competition and the International Eurochestries Contest.

Teaching since 2018, Xinran has worked with students of all ages, from young beginners to advanced musicians preparing for auditions, competitions, and performances. She also served as a Teaching Assistant at Renmin University of China, assisting in undergraduate music instruction while developing a thoughtful and student-centered teaching approach.

Xinran believes that technical excellence and artistic expression should develop hand in hand. Her lessons emphasize healthy technique, beautiful tone production, musical creativity, and confidence on stage. She is passionate about helping every student reach their fullest potential while fostering a lifelong love of music.

Xinran teaches in both English and Mandarin and offers private cello instruction for students of all ages and levels.