Official portfolio of Dr. Yirui Li, a distinguished professional harpist and educator based in Houston, Texas. Discover her biography, performances, masterclasses, and academic research on performance anxiety.
Cultivating cross-cultural dialogue and empowering the next generation of classical musicians through the resonant artistry of the harp.
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Dr. Yirui Li is a distinguished harpist and pedagogue based in Houston, Texas, celebrated for her refined artistry, scholarly insight, and dynamic contributions to the global harp community. A native of China, she commenced her formal education at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, later earning her Master of Music from SUNY Fredonia and her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Oregon.
As a sought-after performer, Dr. Li has appeared with prestigious ensembles including Orchestra Next, the Eugene Ballet, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and West Texas Symphony. Her artistic achievements have been recognized through numerous international accolades, including First Prize at both the American International Music Competition and the Van Bach International Music Competition.
Through her multifaceted career as a performer, educator, and scholar, Dr. Li continues to elevate the harp's expressive possibilities and inspire a global community of musicians.
Sam Houston State University
Currently serving as Adjunct Professor of Harp at SHSU and presiding over the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Harp Society. Her pedagogical philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, artistic expression, and cultural literacy, nurturing versatile and thoughtful musicians.
Doctoral Dissertation
Her doctoral dissertation, Pedagogical Strategies for Managing Music Performance Anxiety on the Harp, underscores her innovative approach to holistic music education, offering actionable methodologies for artists to reclaim their cognitive focus on stage.
Dr. Li's expansive repertoire spans canonical masterworks such as Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique and Holst's The Planets, alongside contemporary gems. She actively bridges traditions, participating in the World Harp Congress and serving as a certified instructor with the China Orchestra Network.
