A renowned piano teacher in Palo Alto, SF Bay Area, Hang Li has been a member of the Piano and Chamber Music faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Pre-college Division, since 2009.
Ms. Li’s private piano lessons in Palo Alto, San Francisco Bay Area have helped her students gain acceptances to the nation’s foremost universities: Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Northwestern, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, UCLA, UC Berkeley, the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music and the New England Conservatory. Her students also regularly place in leading piano competitions such as the Van Cliburn Junior Competition and Hilton Head International Competition, and have won scholarships to music festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival, Morningside Music Bridge, Bowdoin International Festival, and Music@Menlo.
Many adults and working professionals—including employees from companies like Meta and Google—continue their piano learning journey with Ms. Li. Some even maintain their lessons after relocating to other parts of the country.
Ms. Hang Li premiered Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No.2 with Shanghai Symphony Orchestra at Shanghai Concert Hall in 1997. Before coming to the US, Ms. Li was the youngest lecturer at the Central Conservatory of Music, China, and the youngest member in the judging committee of the Piano Performance Certificate. Ms. Li has performed as a soloist in renowned concert halls throughout Europe, China, and America, as well as at The Joaquín Achúcarro Foundation, where she is honored to serve as a Legacy Pianist. Her playing style has earned critical praise as “truly poetic and exhilarating,” evincing an “exquisite and sensitive touch.” Her extensive adjudicating expertise is still sought frequently in international competitions today.
Hang Li earned her Bachelor of Arts from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing; her Artist’s Certificate from Southern Methodist University in Dallas; her Master of Music from the SFCM; and her Artist Diploma from Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy.
Testimonial
"My son's piano journey under the tutelage of Ms. Li has been a transformative experience. Since he began studying with her at the tender age of nine, her guidance and influence have profoundly impacted his musical aesthetic and understanding across different eras. Ms. Li possesses exceptional technical prowess, but her true strength lies in her intuitive grasp of how music should flow and breathe. She has a remarkable ability to envision the entire piece as a cohesive whole while simultaneously attending to the smallest details at precisely the right moments, igniting the music with vitality and brilliance. One of the unique challenges my son faced was his relatively small hands. However, Ms. Li's expertise allowed her to tailor the music pieces specifically for him, making technically demanding passages more accessible while maintaining musical integrity and expressiveness. As a result, my son has developed a deep sense of confidence in his piano performance and has cultivated a genuine passion for exploring diverse musical genres. Beyond her exceptional teaching skills, Ms. Li fosters a nurturing and positive learning environment for all her students, regardless of their age or level of experience. Even college-bound students eagerly return to her during breaks, seeking her guidance and inspiration. She possesses a unique ability to connect with each student on a personal level, understanding their individual strengths, weaknesses, and musical preferences. This empathetic approach ignites a spark of passion in her students, motivating them to delve deeper into the world of music. Ms. Li's commitment to her students extends beyond the piano lesson room. She regularly organizes recitals, masterclasses, and musical workshops, providing her students with opportunities to showcase their talent, learn from renowned musicians, and collaborate with peers. Through these experiences, my son has grown not only as a pianist but also as a well-rounded musician and performer. Ms. Li is not merely a piano teacher but a true mentor and guide who cultivates a love of music and nurtures the artistry of her students. Her dedication, expertise, and genuine care have left an indelible mark on my son's musical journey, and we are eternally grateful for her influence in shaping his musical and personal development."
— Vivian Li