Meet Xiaoran Liu

We recently connected with Xiaoran Liu and have shared our conversation below.

Xiaoran, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I began learning the bamboo flute at age 11, choosing it myself out of a genuine passion for both the instrument and the art form. I believe that building confidence and self-worth starts with making your own choices and embracing the work you love. This creates a positive cycle, where enjoyment drives commitment. If someone doesn’t like their chosen field from the start, how could they expect it to foster confidence?

When I was 15, I competed in China’s premier bamboo flute competition, the First Beijing Bamboo Flute Invitational. It was an honor to compete alongside students from prestigious schools, and to my surprise, I won the silver prize, missing gold by only 0.03 points. That experience was an affirmation that my dedication and passion were bearing fruit. It also opened the door for me to study in Beijing, where the renowned bamboo flutist Zhang Weiliang formally accepted me as his student.

When I first arrived in Beijing, my teacher was busy with his schedule, so he entrusted me with some of his own students. This was the start of my teaching journey, and, amusingly, my first student was actually older than I was—a fun fact, considering I was still in high school while my student was preparing for college.

Since then, I’ve truly come to understand the phrase “mutual growth in teaching.” Every lesson allows me to revisit my own knowledge, solidifying it until it becomes second nature. Through performing, recording, and teaching, I’ve learned that following one’s true passion is essential. With genuine love for your field, confidence and respect for yourself and your work naturally follow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Since 2012, I’ve been active internationally, dedicated to introducing the world to the beauty of Chinese bamboo flute and Xiao music, along with other traditional instruments. My journey has taken me to collaborations with renowned ensembles, including the Asian Philharmonic Orchestra and the China Song and Dance Ensemble. I’ve also performed at prestigious international events, such as the Singapore Huayi Festival and the International Youth Music Festival. In recent years, after moving to New York, I began working with American-based ensembles, like the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York and the Bard East-West Orchestra. Stepping into various management roles with these groups, I focused on growing the presence of Chinese bamboo flute music here in the U.S.

In the summer of 2024, I took on the role of Principal Bamboo Flute Player and Operations Director at the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, an organization with 63 years of history that brings together musicians from diverse backgrounds to promote traditional Chinese music in this multicultural city. My responsibilities go beyond performance, encompassing daily operations, marketing, fundraising, event planning, and leadership. I strive to bridge traditional Chinese music with modern elements, nurturing it within an international setting and helping it thrive here in New York.

In addition to my work with the ensemble, I’m also a guest lecturer at the State University of New York at New Paltz this fall, where I introduce students of Western music backgrounds to Chinese music and the evolution of bamboo wind instruments. It’s exciting to explore how these students perceive traditional Chinese music and culture, fostering cross-cultural exchange and inspiring new bamboo flute compositions. For me, this work is incredibly meaningful, as it not only brings Chinese music to a broader audience but also builds a platform for greater understanding between cultures.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Humility, hard work, and an enduring curiosity about the world—these values have been fundamental in my journey. The first two may speak for themselves: without humility and dedication, it’s hard to reach the top in any field. From a young age, I practiced the bamboo flute diligently, often for over 10 hours a day, laying the groundwork for everything that would follow.

Curiosity, however, has been just as essential. It’s about being willing to try new things, even if it means making mistakes. For example, despite having a stable career in China, I took a chance to start fresh in the United States, where I knew the music industry was both vibrant and challenging. It was curiosity that brought me here to learn. When I first arrived, my spoken English was limited, and, like many Asian kids, I was shy about speaking up. But I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone. I remember going to Central Park, seeing musicians there, and, with just a simple “Let’s play together,” joining in and even making friends along the way. It reminded me that embracing curiosity and trying new things, no matter the outcome, is how we grow.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m eager to connect with more musicians in the U.S. from all styles of music. I’d love to collaborate with anyone interested in exploring different musical forms and expanding our creativity together. You can reach out to me directly on Instagram at @ericliuxiaoran, through Bold Journey, or via email at ericliuflute@gmail.com.

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