Biography

Pianist Yihan Sun is an active soloist, chamber musician, and educator who has performed across the United States. She is currently an affiliate faculty member at Metropolitan State University of Denver and maintains a thriving private studio.

Yihan holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano from the University of Maryland, where she studied under Professor Rita Sloan and worked as a graduate assistant. She also earned a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. At Peabody, she studied with Alexander Shtarkman, chair of the piano department, and was a scholarship recipient. In 2020, she was awarded the Sidney Friedberg Prize in Chamber Music.

A prizewinner in the 4th Kawai Asia Piano Competition, the 4th Shenzhen Piano Open Competition, and the TMTA Piano Competition, Yihan has served as a piano fellow at prestigious festivals including the Colorado College Summer Music Festival, the Eastern Music Festival, and the Castleman Quartet Program. During her studies, she also performed in masterclasses for distinguished artists including Leon Fleisher, Kim-Woo Paik, Seymour Bernstein, and the Ying Quartet.

An experienced and dedicated educator, Yihan has been teaching privately since 2014. She remains an active performer and mentor in the Denver area, helping her students achieve significant growth in their musical development. She is currently accepting new students for both in-person and online lessons.

Inspiring Musical and Personal Growth through Piano

As a piano teacher, my goal extends beyond teaching technical knowledge and skill. I believe that the journey of learning the piano has the potential to transform my students into sensitive, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals who appreciate beauty and understand the value of effort. I believe that learning the piano is a transformative journey, shaping students into thoughtful, resilient, and creative individuals who find joy in both the process and the artistry of music.

  • Developing Musical Sensitivity and Expression

I encourage my students to listen deeply, not just to the notes they play but to the emotions and stories within the music. Through careful attention to tone, phrasing, and dynamics, they learn to express themselves with nuance and sincerity. This increased awareness allows them to better understand the world and fosters a more profound connection with music and art.

  • Building Discipline and Perseverance

Mastering the piano requires patience, consistency, and determination. I guide my students in developing a strong work ethic, helping them build the confidence to overcome challenges. By developing these qualities, they will not only grow as musicians but also as individuals capable of handling life’s obstacles with resilience.

  • Encouraging Attentive Listening and Collaboration

Listening is at the heart of great musicianship. I emphasize the importance of attentive listening—whether to their own playing, to other musicians, or to the world around them. This skill not only enhances their musical abilities but also helps them become better communicators and empathetic individuals.

I aim to inspire my students to approach learning with curiosity and passion. Whether they pursue music professionally or simply as a lifelong joy, my hope is that they carry these values with them in all they do.