Xiaolan Zhou

started piano study in her childhood with her mother, the prominent piano educator, Professor Yafen Zhu. She received a bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in China, a Master's degree in Piano Performance from University of North Texas, and continued her postgraduate study in Piano Pedagogy at Southern Methodist University. Focusing on the relationship between neuroscience, educational psychology and classical music teaching, Xiaolan has given numerous lectures, lecture recitals and masterclasses at universities, music schools and music teacher associations in Beijing, Shenyang, Dalian, Shenzhen, and other cities in China.

Xiaolan lives and has a private piano studio in Plano, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, and is an adjunct professor at Collin College.

Teaching Philosophy

As a piano teacher, my goal is to share the gift of music and help my students grow into independent learners and musicians. I believe that lessons should be engaging, and aim to keep my students interested and motivated through the process of learning. My students will build strong skills in reading, listening, and playing at the piano, as well as developing strategic planning and critical thinking in daily practice.

My role is to nurture the student's desire to be their best, support them through struggles and help them embrace challenges and hard work. To let them take on the responsibility of learning, and help build their confidence along the way. Above all, my job is to share and celebrate the joy in music learning, and to someday, teach myself out of a job with each of my students.

The Studio