Biography

Dr. Cheng has been featured in various performances both as a soloist and collaborative pianist, including the 2nd National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) Music Festival in Taipei, Taiwan, the Faculty Artist Series at Humboldt State University (HSU) in Arcata, California, the MTAC north regional conference in Santa Clara University and Diablo Valley College in California, Piano Texas Festival at Texas Christian University in Texas, Art Basel Festival and New World Symphony at Lincoln Theater in Miami Beach, Florida, Yamaha Concert Series at Yamaha Piano Music Center in Coral Gables, Florida, String Competition of American String Teachers Association in Tampa, Florida, and Artist-In-Residence Series of National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) in Taipei, Taiwan. She was selected by the most prestigious venue in Taiwan, National Recital Hall in Taipei, to give a two-piano recital in 2007. In 2008, she appeared as a featured pianist in the Humboldt Symphony concerto concert at HSU in Arcata, California. After moving back to Taiwan in 2009, Dr. Cheng has given two solo recitals and many other recitals collaborating with other musicians around the world. She just completed a concert tour in a trio group with a flutist and a violist, registered as Just Trio. Dr. Cheng will soon start her concert series for the year to come.

In addition to actively performing, Dr. Cheng is also a devoted educator. During her doctoral studies as a graduate teaching assistant at the Frost School of Music of the University of Miami (UM), she was reputed as the best teaching assistant for her outstanding organization and constant enthusiasm. Her exceptional teaching ability was soon acknowledged and led her to many positions to come, including Orff Music World and Wach Conservatory of Music in Taipei, Taiwan, the Frost School of Music at UM in Coral Gables, Florida, Barry University in North Miami, Florida, New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida, Humboldt State University and Humboldt Music Academy in Arcata, California, NTNU in Taipei, Taiwan, and many master classes invited by professional associations. She was appointed as the co-director of the keyboard program while teaching at HSU in California. In 2009, she was offered a position by her alma mater, NTNU, as an Artist-In-Residence in Taipei, Taiwan.

Soon after receiving her bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the most prestigious music institute in Taiwan, NTNU, Dr. Cheng was granted a scholarship from the University of Miami to start her master’s degree in Music Business and Entertainment Industry. In 2003, offered a full scholarship as a graduate teaching assistant, she continued to pursue her doctoral degree in Accompanying and Chamber Music at UM, studying with Dr. J.B.Floyd, the former chair of the keyboard department, Mr. Tian Ying, the present chair and a former finalist of Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Dr. Paul Posnak, the head of the accompanying department. Dr. Cheng has made many master class appearances conducted by distinguishing musicians including Lang Lang, Andrea Watts, Hans Boepple, Sharon Mann, John Owings, Tamás Ungár, Harold Martina, Jin Zhang, and Rueibin Chen.

Committed to a versatile musical career, Dr. Cheng finds every opportunity to advance herself.  She is an active participant in conferences around the world. Holding a minor degree in double bass, her orchestral performance experience is substantial and has provided her a unique background to be a keen and sensitive collaborative artist. Her working experience also includes internship at BMG US Latin Copyright division in Coral Gables, Florida, a double bassist at Taipei Century Symphony and National Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan, and a project manager at TLJ Technologies Inc. In April 2010, Dr. Cheng was invited to join the string ensemble to perform at National Concert Hall in Taiwan, in celebration of the 30th anniversory of her alma mater, HSNU.

Dr. Cheng was the Artist-In-Residence of the Department of Music at NTNU since July 2009, soon after she returned to her hometown. She was the appointed pianist for the 2010 National Concert/Theater Hall Opera series, which performed  in July 2010. Dr. Cheng has been an Assistant Professor of Collaborative Piano at Fu-Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. Starting Fall 2011, Dr. Cheng will join the music faculty at California State University San Marcos as Assistant Professor of Piano.