ABOUT
Biography
Qiao is an internationally acclaimed violinist, violist, conductor, educator, and recording artist whose career bridges performance, scholarship, and artistic advocacy. Born in China and based in the United States, she is recognized for her expressive artistry, technical command, and unwavering commitment to expanding the classical repertoire through the discovery and promotion of underrepresented composers.
An active soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer, Qiao has appeared throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, performing at international festivals, universities, concert series, and major artistic residencies. Equally accomplished on both violin and viola, she brings versatility, depth, and stylistic insight to repertoire ranging from the standard canon to contemporary works and rediscovered masterpieces.
As a conductor, Qiao is celebrated for innovative programming that combines artistic excellence with cultural relevance. Her performances regularly pair orchestral masterworks with music by women, Black, and Asian composers, offering audiences fresh perspectives on the classical tradition. Her projects include the Southeast premiere of Mary Watkins’ Dark River: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story, reflecting her commitment to meaningful artistic storytelling and inclusive programming.
Qiao serves as Professor of Music and Director of String Studies and Orchestral Activities at Agnes Scott College, where she teaches violin, viola, chamber music, and conducts the college orchestra. She is also an active international pedagogue, presenting masterclasses, festival residencies, and guest artist appearances throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Widely respected as a teacher and mentor, she is known for cultivating technical excellence, expressive musicianship, and intellectual curiosity while encouraging students to explore a broader and more inclusive musical landscape.
An accomplished recording artist, Qiao’s discography reflects her dedication to championing overlooked voices in classical music. Her critically praised recording Unveiled with the Eurasia Trio explores chamber music by Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn. Her earlier recording Woman to Woman with the Eureka Duo celebrates works by Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, Ethel Smyth. In September 2026, Navona Records, a label of PARMA Recordings, will release her newest album, Echoes of Her, featuring violin and piano works by Amanda Maier, Amy Beach, Florence Price, and Poldowski—continuing her mission to bring remarkable yet underperformed repertoire to international audiences.
Qiao’s artistic perspective is shaped by an international education spanning China, Ireland, and the United States. She earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Georgia, following graduate studies at the University of Limerick in Ireland and undergraduate studies at the Conservatory of Music of Capital Normal University in Beijing, with additional studies at Ithaca College.
At the center of Qiao’s career is a passion for artistic advocacy. Through performances, recordings, scholarship, teaching, and innovative programming, she seeks to broaden the classical canon by bringing neglected voices to new audiences. Her work is guided by the belief that musical excellence and cultural inclusion are inseparable—and that performance has the power not only to preserve tradition, but also to reshape it for future generations.
Artistic Career
PERFORMANCE, CONDUCTING & EDUCATION
Performer
An active soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer, Qiao has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, appearing at international festivals, universities, concert series, and major artistic residencies.
Equally accomplished on both violin and viola, she brings versatility, depth, and stylistic insight to repertoire spanning the classical canon, contemporary works, and rediscovered masterpieces.
Conductor
As a conductor, Qiao is celebrated for innovative programming that combines artistic excellence with cultural relevance.
Her performances regularly pair orchestral masterworks with music by women, Black, and Asian composers, offering audiences fresh perspectives on the classical tradition.
Her projects include the Southeast premiere of Mary Watkins’ Dark River: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story, reflecting her commitment to meaningful artistic storytelling and inclusive programming.
Educator
Qiao serves as Professor of Music and Director of String Studies and Orchestral Activities at Agnes Scott College, where she teaches violin, viola, chamber music, and conducts the college orchestra.
She is also an active international pedagogue, presenting masterclasses, festival residencies, and guest artist appearances throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Widely respected as a teacher and mentor, she is known for cultivating technical excellence, expressive musicianship, and intellectual curiosity while encouraging students to explore a broader and more inclusive musical landscape.
Championing Overlooked Voices
- Clara Schumann
- Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn
- Amy Beach
- Ethel Smyth
- Amanda Maier
- Amy Beach
- Florence Price
- Poldowski