Biography

Dr. Yunfeng Cai is an outstanding pianist, artist instructor and recipient of many national and international awards. Some of her honors include First Prize in China's National "Xinghai Cup" Piano Competition, Second Prize in the China-French Mido Competition, Second Prize in St. Petersburg International Piano Competition for Young Artists, First Prize in the Chautauqua International Competition, First Prize in the Indiana Concerto Competition, and other prizes in the Ettlinggen International Piano Competition, the Toyoma Asian Piano Competition for Young Artists, and the Eastman International Piano Competition.

Dr. Cai started her professional piano education in Beijing, China at the China Central Conservatory of Music with Professor Pingguo Zhao and Professor Xinning Zhang with full scholarship. In 2005, she moved to the U.S. to begin her undergraduate study in the Oberlin Conservatory with full scholarship, as a student of Professor Monique Duphil. From 2009-2011, Dr. Cai began to teach at Indiana University as an associate instructor while completing her master degree under Professor Arnaldo Cohen. Starting from 2012 until 2016, Dr. Cai completed her doctorate degree at University of Southern California, studying with Professor Daniel Pollack.

As a music educator for over a decade, Dr. Cai has been teaching students from various background and all ages. In 2017, she founded the Southern California International Music Festival in Los Angeles to promote classical music. Dr. Cai is a member of both MTNA and MTAC and has been judging multiple competitions such as SYMF in Los Angeles.