2026
“Alexa, Fix My Rhythm: AI Chatbots as Practice Coaches”
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) National Conference · Peer-reviewed presentation
Piano Performance · Collaboration · Pedagogy
Shiyi Zhu
Pianist, collaborative artist, and educator dedicated to expressive performance, thoughtful teaching, and research at the intersection of piano pedagogy and technology.
About
Biography
Shiyi Zhu is a pianist, collaborative artist, and educator pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at the University of Florida, with an expected completion in May 2027.
Her musical work bridges solo repertoire, concerto performance, chamber music, vocal and instrumental collaboration, and university-level piano instruction. At the University of Florida, she serves as a collaborative pianist and graduate teaching assistant, working with students across applied lessons, rehearsals, auditions, juries, and recitals.
Her recent solo appearances include a recital featuring Liszt’s Transcendental Études at the University of Florida and a Carnegie Hall performance featuring Brahms’s Op. 119. She was also featured as concerto soloist with the University of Florida Symphony Orchestra in Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
Beyond performance, Zhu presents research on piano practice, visualization, and emerging technologies at professional music conferences. She is committed to helping students develop musical independence, technical fluency, and creative confidence.
Selected performances
Video Portfolio
Explore solo piano, chamber and collaborative performances, and concerto appearances. Select a performance to watch the recording on YouTube.
Research & scholarship
Conference Presentations
Selected presentations on piano pedagogy, practice strategies, and artificial intelligence in music learning.
2026
“Alexa, Fix My Rhythm: AI Chatbots as Practice Coaches”
College Music Society (CMS) National Conference · Peer-reviewed presentation
2024
“Visualization in Piano Practice and Performance”
Florida State Music Teachers Association (FSMTA) Conference
2025
Interview and Performance on WUFT Radio
Discussion and performance featuring Chen Yi’s Variations on Awariguli · Media appearance
Teaching & mentorship
Teaching
A student-centered approach informed by performance experience, collaboration, and evidence-based practice strategies.
University Piano Instruction
Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Florida (2024–present), teaching group piano and applied lessons; developing learning activities, assignments, and assessments; and supporting students through Canvas and in-person instruction.
Collaborative Coaching
University of Florida Collaborative Pianist (2024–present), supporting singers and instrumentalists in studio lessons, rehearsals, auditions, juries, and degree recitals.
Guest Teaching & Outreach
Guest clinician at the Smoky Valley Chamber Music Festival (2026) and Benedictine College (2025); guest speaker at Ohio University (2024).
Pedagogy & Recognition
Research interests include visualization, AI-assisted practice, and independent musicianship. Semifinalist, University of Florida Graduate Student Teaching Award (2024–25).
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- First Prize · Apex International Music Competition
- First Prize · University of Florida Concerto Competition
- Semifinalist · University of Florida Graduate Student Teaching Award
Additional awards may be added from the full CV.
On stage