Jianan Xu, a Chinese pianist, is earning praise from famous pianist Solomon Mikowsky for his "incredible technique and musical sensitivity."

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Jianan completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Piano Performance at the University of Kansas, where he also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. He earned a Master of Music from the Mannes School of Music, where he studied under the renowned Russian pianist Vladimir Feltsman. Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, studied with Alvin Chow and Angela Cheng, and received specialized training in fortepiano with David Breitman. His foundational piano education began at the prestigious Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China, where he studied with Professors Shao Dan, Wu Ying, and Zhou Ting.

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Jianan has amassed numerous accolades, including the First Prize at the Charleston International Piano Competition, Second Prize at the Kansas University International Piano Concerto Competition, and semifinalist at the London International Concerto Competition and the Suzana Szorenyi International Duo Piano Competition in Bucharest, Romania. Xu's performance career spans solo recitals and chamber music concerts across Spain, Germany, France, China, the US, and Romania.

 

Beyond his performance, Xu is an accomplished piano teacher. He received a Piano Pedagogy Cognate from the University of Kansas. He has taught at the Shanghai Experimental School and the University of Kansas School of Music. His students have gained admission to prestigious conservatories worldwide, including Michigan State University, Mannes School of Music, Lynn University, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. As an active jury member, Xu has served in renowned competitions such as the Shanghai International Piano Competition and the Liszt International Youth Piano Competition. He is a member of both the Shanghai Musicians Association and the Piano Committee of the Shanghai Musicians Association.