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, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The moment I knew I wanted to pursue a professional artistic path came during my teenage years, when I was mastering fingerstyle guitar. Music wasn’t just a hobby for me—it was my way of expressing emotions and telling stories without words. Winning awards in fingerstyle competitions not only validated my efforts but also showed me the power of music to connect with others on a profound level.

I vividly remember one specific moment. I had just finished a solo performance at a local competition, playing an intricate piece I had spent months perfecting. The applause felt overwhelming—not because of its volume, but because I could feel the audience’s connection to the music I had created. It was then that I realized this was more than just a skill or passion. It was my calling.

This experience laid the foundation for my dedication to music. It inspired me to delve into other styles, eventually leading me to jazz guitar, where artists like Joe Pass and Jim Hall became lifelong influences. It also sparked my curiosity about composition and improvisation, pushing me to explore not just performance but also creation.

That moment of connection between me and the audience remains a guiding light. It affirmed that music could be my life’s work—a way to inspire, to share, and to leave a mark.

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?

I’m a guitarist, composer, and educator currently based in Los Angeles, where I’m pursuing a DMA in Studio Guitar at the USC Thornton School of Music. My musical journey has been a dynamic blend of genres, disciplines, and cultures, rooted in traditional jazz but branching out into classical, rock, and Irish music. Over the years, I’ve built a versatile career performing, composing, and teaching, all driven by a love for storytelling through music. Music became a cornerstone of my life during my early teens when I began mastering fingerstyle guitar. This passion grew as I started winning awards and performing for audiences, cementing my belief that music was not just a pastime but my calling. My artistic path broadened when I discovered jazz, with Joe Pass and Jim Hall becoming my inspirations. The discipline of fingerstyle guitar gave me a foundation of precision and creativity that still informs my jazz and contemporary compositions. I perform across genres and contexts—whether it’s jazz standards with a quartet, a high-energy rock musical like Tick, Tick… Boom!, or traditional Irish reels with my band, CRAIC and Bones. My performances aim to captivate and connect, blending technical mastery with emotional depth.

As a composer, I create music for jazz ensembles, with a focus on combining traditional elements with contemporary innovation. My research into motivic development in improvisation further shapes my work, offering audiences fresh yet familiar sounds.

As an educator, I teach guitar to students ranging from beginners to advanced musicians, helping them find their unique voice while mastering technique and theory. My aim is not just to teach guitar but to inspire a lifelong love for music. For audiences, my work offers a bridge between different musical worlds, bringing them new ways to experience familiar genres. For students, I provide a structured yet creative approach to learning, emphasizing personal expression alongside technical development.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend traditions with innovation. My diverse performance experience—from musicals to swing festivals in China—has taught me how to adapt, collaborate, and elevate any musical setting. My extensive academic and practical background gives me a unique edge in crafting performances and compositions that resonate deeply with audiences. My work is rooted in a belief that music has the power to connect people across boundaries. Whether I’m performing a solo jazz set, composing for an ensemble, or teaching a student their first chord, my goal is to inspire and uplift. For potential collaborators, I bring a professional yet deeply personal approach to every project. For audiences and students, I aim to create experiences that are both enriching and unforgettable.

My journey is far from over, and I look forward to continuing to explore and share my passion for music in all its forms. Whether you’re looking for a performer, composer, or teacher, I’d love to connect and make something extraordinary together. I’m proud of my versatility and the breadth of my career so far. Highlights include performing at the Big Apple Music Festival, collaborating with world-class musicians, and releasing original music that has been featured in festivals and concerts internationally. I’m also honored to be a lifetime member of Pi Kappa Lambda and to have received prestigious scholarships, including the USC Thornton Music Scholarship.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Society can best support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem by valuing the arts as essential to cultural identity and human connection. This begins with investing in arts education to inspire future generations and providing financial support through grants, scholarships, and fair wages for creative professionals. Affordable spaces for living and working are crucial, as is fostering public appreciation for the arts through community programs and accessible cultural events. Equity must remain a priority, ensuring opportunities for underrepresented voices to shine. By encouraging public-private partnerships, promoting diversity, and integrating artists into broader societal initiatives, we can create an environment where creativity flourishes, enriching communities and addressing critical global challenges.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely. One resource I wish I had known about earlier is the abundance of artist grants and funding opportunities available for emerging creatives. Early in my career, I often assumed that these were only for established artists, but many organizations are eager to support developing talent. Knowing about programs like the ASCAP Foundation, local arts councils, and international music residencies would have been incredibly helpful.

Another resource is the network of mentorship programs within creative communities. I’ve learned that reaching out to seasoned professionals for guidance can open doors and accelerate growth, but I only realized the value of this later in my journey. Platforms like LinkedIn, alumni associations, and music-specific mentorship organizations are invaluable for building these connections.

Finally, I wish I had known about online communities and tools that support collaboration and promotion. Platforms like Patreon, Bandcamp, and even social media groups tailored to musicians can provide both financial backing and an audience. These tools have become essential, but discovering them earlier would have saved me time and helped me amplify my work more effectively.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.xinqianmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xinqian739/
• 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