Yao Xujing

“You don’t need to be extraordinary; you are always unique”

Yao Xujing is a distinguished clarinetist currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Clarinet Performance at the University of Minnesota, studies with Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra principal clarinetist Sangyoon Kim. She earned her Master of Music from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, studied with acclaimed clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein and received the Artist Excellent Awards. And she holds her Bachelor of Music from Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China, where she was mentored by Professor Weilong Xi. Yao’s extensive orchestral experience includes roles with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, Guangzhou Philharmonic, and Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra, Xinghai Symphony Orchestra highlighting her versatility and skill across diverse musical settings.

In addition to her performance career, Yao is a dedicated educator with experience teaching clarinet at various institutions in both China and the United States. Her roles include clarinet instructor and Chinese language tutor, reflecting her commitment to fostering musical talent and bridging cultural gaps. Her career is marked by significant awards and a strong passion for both performing and teaching, making her a respected figure in the music community.