We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nini Qiao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nini, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
• Established a pioneering interdisciplinary research field
◦ Introduced an innovative approach combining Chinese literature, linguistics, psychology, musicology, and voice
science to enhance performing interpretations and revive traditional Chinese classical literature.
◦ Conducted a comparative analysis on the phonology of ancient Chinese poetry, exploring the characteristics of
Mandarin, historical and regional dialects. Integrated research from linguists like Li Wang and Yuenren Chao with
principles of articulation and phonation.
◦ Developed methodologies to incorporate historical and regional dialects (e.g., Cantonese, Chinese-Wu, ancient
Chinese dialects) into contemporary Chinese song composition and interpretation.
Throughout my years of study in the US, I have come across a few of racial events especially during the pandemic. My doctorate committee Dr. Boone has always encouraged me to learn more about my own cultural background, especially through studying Chinese art music. My undergraduate mentor, Katherine Chu, who is now the academic dean at Tianjin Juilliard, and the first author to write a book on singing in Mandarin, has also inspired me to promote Chinese music and songs globally. During my doctoral studies, I have also had the opportunity to connect with Chinese literature scholars and experts in Chinese phonology. Interacting with these friends, who are deeply immersed in Chinese culture and literature, has further deepened my understanding of Chinese literature. Simultaneously, I’ve learned about limitations and weaknesses in the melody and rhyme of current Chinese art songs. These factors have inspired me to conduct additional research on the phonological and poetic phonology, artistic interpretation, and even translation of ancient poetry in Chinese art songs.
In China there is a proverb that says, “What belongs to the nation belongs to the world.” However, I disagree with this notion. Ethnic arts, like culinary culture, can only be appreciated by people from many cultural backgrounds and acknowledged and adored by the globe through study conducted through the most widely accepted scientific frameworks. Combining my expertise and passion for vocal arts with a profound curiosity for Chinese classical literature, I have decided on my most meaningful project of my final document which is an interdisciplinary research field : A comparative analysis will delve into the phonology of ancient Chinese poetry, exploring the character of Mandarin, ancient, and regional dialects, and examining the differences between modern and ancient Chinese words, with a focus on voice science of singing. The study of ancient language helps to address the challenge of non-legato singing in Mandarin by identifying new possibilities in both composition and interpretation of art song
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was raised in a household filled with culture and happiness, guided by my father, a college instructor specializing in Chinese literature, and my mother, who teaches arts at the same institution. Besides being an arts educator, my mother also works as a part-time Chinese instrument- Guzheng teacher and pursues her passion of jewelry design. My mother’s music and my father’s Chinese literature have always had a special place in my heart, as demonstrated by the fact that at the age of three, I could memorize over fifty Chinese ancient poems and could sing along with my mother when she played songs for us.
Once both of my parents realized how much I loved the arts and had a wonderful recall of music, they supported me on the journey of studying calligraphy and on my fifth birthday they gifted me a piano which became my formal entry into music training.
My approach to pursuing music has been different from many of my peers. Unlike my peers who choose to enroll in a pre-college music program, I pursued my musical studies on my own. This distinguishes me from those who pursue their academic goals solely through music studies. My parents taught me the value of varied learning experiences because they believed in a holistic approach to education. I never wavered in my passion for Chinese literature, even as my musical journey developed. This devotion further solidified the scope of my academic efforts as I won many national level writing awards during my middle and high school years.
In 2013 after ranking first in my provincial college music vocal admission test, I was admitted to Nanjing Normal University. Throughout my college journey, I immersed myself in the field of music education, majoring in piano and vocal music. To deepen my musical proficiency, I chose Guqin and Guzheng—two traditional Chinese instruments—as my minor specialization.
A pivotal turning point occurred during my exchange year in Taiwan where a plethora of inspiring concerts and music instructors fueled my ambition to pursue a career as an opera singer. Motivated to enhance my understanding of repertoire and collaborate seamlessly with conductors in the future, I dedicated a year to the study of composition and band conducting. This diverse training shaped me into a versatile and well-rounded musician.
As I started studying with Diana Soviero at the Mannes School of Music, I sincerely wanted to become a professional opera singer. I made substantial improvements to my vocal technique, paying special attention to breath support during singing. I switched from pushing outward with force to flexibly engaging the diaphragm upward and inward when I am singing. I was also quite interested in the way the vibrato was created by the larynx. My vocal coach, Justin Williams, a linguistic pianist in his own right, provided me with abundant inspiration for musical expression. I was enthralled with art songs under his and other vocal coaches‘ guidance, unable to resist the innate attractiveness and profound feelings they evoked. My doors to performing were also opened by my training in opera at Mannes. I love being on stage, and I especially love getting to play a variety of roles and singing gorgeous arias.
The pandemic broke out while I was moving from a minor role to a principal role at the opera production in New York City. I decided to take the attitude, ”Why wait at home when I can explore a different path?“ I told myself. Simultaneously, my pursuit was fueled by the desire to fulfill my parents’ higher academic expectations so I decided to pursue a Doctor of Music Arts degree.
During my doctoral studies, my interactions with different professors were always delightful and intellectually enriching. I leart various teaching strategies and educational psychology in my College Teaching classes. I deepened my understanding of collaboration in vocal and orchestral works as well as in orchestra vocal music analysis. Moreover, I systematically studied the pronunciation rules and phonetics of various singing languages. Particularly fascinating was his insight into the inspiration I found in French art songs, within the context of Art Nouveau encompassing painting, literature, philosophy, and music. I developed my own cultural background, especially through studying Chinese art music and Chinese dialects.
Most notably, My advisor Dr. Rohrer instilled in me the importance of patiently and methodically guiding students in singing. Her words during my defense left a lasting impact: “There are numerous approaches to singing. At times, it may be challenging to categorically define or assert the correctness of a specific singing technique. Nevertheless, advancements in vocal science aid singers and instructors in uncovering the most objective insights into vocal techniques”. Through Dr. Rohrer’s mentorship, my understanding of vocal music expanded beyond subjective teaching and interpretation. Instead, I learned to objectively study these aspects through more authoritative and scientific means.
As a voice teacher, I have mentored over 10 students who were accepted into prestigious institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music (MSM), Mannes School of Music, Boston Conservatory (BC), and the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). I take pride in designing customized vocal training programs that incorporate vocal anatomy, expressive hand gestures, and acting techniques to enhance my students’ stage performance and vocal delivery. Helping my students achieve their dreams and watching them grow into confident, skillful performers brings me immense pride and fulfillment. Their progress is a reminder of the transformative power of music education in shaping both personal development and artistic expression.
In addition to my work as a musician and educator, I have drawn inspiration from my mother’s passion for jewelry design. The connection between Art Nouveau jewelry and other forms of art, such as painting, sculpture, and music, fascinates me, and I have found joy in designing and selling my own unique jewelry pieces. This creative venture has not only provided me with an additional source of income but also introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals and allowed me to form meaningful friendships.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my ability to synthesize diverse elements—whether it’s music, art, or design—to create something truly unique. My work blends tradition with innovation, drawing from my background in both Chinese and Western artistic traditions. Whether I am teaching, performing, or designing, my goal is to inspire others and continue developing my craft in new and exciting ways. I’m proud of the multifaceted nature of my career and the impact I’ve had on my students, and I look forward to continuing this journey of creativity and growth.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Thriving solely as a musician in New York City presents its challenges, especially in a landscape where most people are drawn to pop music and musicals, while opera remains less widely embraced. My research focuses on a unique and niche area within the field of opera, which requires time, dedication, and patience to fully develop—its value may only be recognized by a select few. However, my ultimate goal is to advance both traditional opera singing and this interdisciplinary field of research, regardless of whether it leads to financial success. From my own perspective, this lifelong pursuit is driven by passion and the desire to contribute to the evolution of the art form.
I did a lot of voice teaching jobs but still can not afford my cost in the NYC. I changed my mind to try some pop singing teaching but I can’t gain a sense of satisfaction from that part.
Fortunately, my mother’s deep passion for designing, creating, and selling jewelry has been a significant source of inspiration for me. I’ve always found a unique connection between jewelry design—particularly the intricate artistry of Art Nouveau—and other forms of expression such as painting, sculpture, and music. This fusion of disciplines sparked my creativity, and I began designing and selling my own unique jewelry pieces. Not only has this venture provided me with additional income, but it has also introduced me to a community of incredible individuals and allowed me to form lasting friendships.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
The Enterprising Musician’s Legal Toolkit
David R. Williams
The Enterprising Musician’s Guide to Performer Contracts
by David R. Williams
I’ve also gained valuable insights from my musician mentors, friends, and dancers. One core philosophy is that standing out through your uniqueness is essential for being memorable, while having a strong character is equally important for building meaningful connections. Success in the music industry also requires finding the right team and organization to help run the business effectively. Additionally, social media has become a powerful tool for positioning yourself in the right space and expanding your reach.
I recently opened my own LLC, focused on music teaching, performance, and research. I’ve found that there’s a lot of useful information available from tools like ChatGPT, which has been quite helpful throughout the process.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: niniqiao1995
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42oYzLEN9M
Image Credits
Kathryn Tornelli
Meigui Zhang
Xuan Yi
Kanghong Wang
Haixia Ni
Sean Ferguson
Shupeng Chen