We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xinqian Li. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xinqian below.
Xinqian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first discovered my passion for music when I was just 13 years old. It all began with my introduction to the guitar. Right from the start, I displayed an extraordinary level of enthusiasm and dedication towards mastering the instrument. After immersing myself in guitar playing for about a year, I became convinced that music was destined to be my lifelong career. It felt as though I had unearthed a new language through which to express my innermost emotions, and along the way, I discovered lifelong companions who shared my passion and creativity.
Xinqian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Xinqian Li, and I am a composer and jazz guitarist. I am honored to be a lifetime member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the American music honor society. Currently, I reside in Los Angeles, where I am pursuing a Doctor Degree in studio jazz guitar at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. My musical style draws heavily from traditional jazz, and I am constantly striving to develop my own distinctive sound. Throughout my career, I have composed a diverse range of traditional and contemporary jazz pieces for large ensembles. Prior to my focus on jazz guitar, I dedicated many years to studying fingerstyle guitar and have been fortunate to receive numerous awards in various competitions. In 2018, I had the privilege of performing at the Big Apple Music Festival at Queens College in New York. The following year, I had the opportunity to perform with the Jazz Big Band in Zhuhai, China, alongside talented musicians from China’s jazz community. In 2021, I was invited to form a swing septet with professors from China’s Sichuan Conservatory of Music, and we regularly perform at prestigious venues such as the Chengdu Riverside Jazz Club and Oak Nose Jazz Club. Additionally, I participated in the China Swing Music Festival that same year.Concurrently, I have released four singles on NetEase Cloud Music, formed my own trio, and embarked on tours in southwest China. I am grateful to have received the USC Thornton Music Scholarship for two consecutive years from 2021 to 2023. In 2023, I was awarded a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music Summer Program and had the opportunity to perform in a big band in Boston. That same year, I achieved gold medals at the Universal Stars and Global International Music Competitions and was invited to perform in the musical “Hit The Wall,” directed by Gregg T. Daniel and Chevaughan Dyer. In 2024, I joined the jazz big band led by Dr. David Moyer and the rock blues trio led by German drummer Vera Carter. Additionally, I lead my own jazz quintet featuring my original compositions. In May, I published three papers on jazz musicians representing three different styles in the Chinese National Journal (Qintong). In the same month, New York cellist Qianci Liu performed my original composition at The Summit College Club performed. In August this year, I was invited to be a teaching assistant at the New York Big Apple Music Festival. I am grateful for the mentorship and guidance I have received from esteemed musicians such as Bruce Forman, Tim Kobza, Richard Smith, Josh Nelson, and Bob Minzter.
When I was 13 years old, I received my first guitar. From that moment on, I discovered my lifelong passion: music. I cannot envision a life without it. Music has become my closest companion, accompanying me through thick and thin. We have grown together, nurturing each other’s success. It has taken me far and wide, leading me to explore different corners of the world and perform on bigger stages.
Recently, I’ve been putting together plans for my debut album, which will feature my original compositions from the past few years. It’s primarily a contemporary jazz album, showcasing both quintet and quartet instrumentations. Many of the tracks draw inspiration from the work of David Binney, a renowned jazz saxophonist and composer based in LA. It was about four years ago when I first encountered his music, and I was immediately captivated by the richness and depth of his sound. That initial listening experience left an indelible mark on me, serving as a constant source of inspiration for my own creative endeavors.
In my view, what sets me apart is my identity as a jazz musician hailing from China. Despite being born and raised in China, a country where jazz isn’t traditionally rooted, I’ve immersed myself in this genre from a young age. While my upbringing and education have been deeply steeped in traditional Chinese culture, my fascination with American music began in my teenage years and has continued to flourish, especially now that I reside in LA. As a result, I believe my compositions embody a fusion of diverse cultural influences. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to grace the world stage and articulate my unique voice through the universal language of music.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of musicians in Los Angeles while I’m working on my PhD, and I’m now in two different bands, the first one is a jazz big band led by Dr. David Moyer, the big band Mainly based on traditional swing style, such as Duke Ellington. Another band is a rock and blues trio led by drummer Vera from Germany. This band is very special. The drummer, bassist and I are from three different countries, and the three of us are three generations apart. At the same time, the three of us are good at different music styles. At the same time, I also led my own jazz composition quintet, and we performed frequently in the LA area.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, my aspiration is to become a highly proficient jazz musician, composer, and educator. I’ve been dedicatedly pursuing this goal, striving for excellence in every facet of my craft. Peter Bernstein stands as my benchmark, an artist whose mastery I aspire to emulate. My vision encompasses touring extensively , sharing my passion for jazz with audiences worldwide. Equally important to me is the opportunity to impart knowledge and mentorship to aspiring young musicians, nurturing the next generation of talent. This ambition represents my lifelong dedication and remains at the core of my artistic journey.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As a musician and composer, one of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to channel my emotions, experiences, and perspectives into music that resonates with others. There’s a unique sense of fulfillment in creating something from scratch, whether it’s a melody, a harmony, or an entire composition, and seeing it come to life through performance or recording. Moreover, music has this incredible power to transcend language and cultural barriers, allowing me to connect with people from all walks of life on a profound level. When I see my compositions moving or inspiring others, whether they’re listeners, fellow musicians, or even students I’m teaching, it reinforces the significance of my craft and the impact it can have. Furthermore, the constant evolution and growth as a musician and composer, as I explore new techniques, styles, and collaborations, keep the journey exciting and fulfilling. It’s a continuous learning process that challenges me to push boundaries and strive for excellence while staying true to my artistic vision. Overall, the ability to create, connect, and evolve through music is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for the art form.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xinqian739?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077433371658&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E6%AC%A3%E5%80%A9-%E6%9D%8E-945954270/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZzXlQulCoUaOEhI9YhpBQ
Image Credits
Xinqian LI