Chien-Kwan Lin

Chien-Kwan Lin serves as Professor of Saxophone, Chair of the Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion Department, and Director of the Eastman Saxophone Project at the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester. An internationally acclaimed performer, he has appeared as soloist with orchestras including the United States Navy Band, Eastman Wind Ensemble, Singapore Symphony, and Beijing Symphony.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from the New England Conservatory, and a Performer's Certificate and Doctor of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music under Ken Radnofsky and Ramon Ricker.

Professor Lin specializes in saxophone performance with research emphases on contemporary repertoire, particularly Chinese-influenced compositions and electroacoustic works. His performance practice bridges Western classical traditions with Eastern musical aesthetics, focusing on expanding the saxophone's orchestral and solo repertoire through new commissions and innovative interpretations.

His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on 21st-century classical works with Chinese cultural themes, primarily featuring compositions by Lei Liang that explore cross-cultural dialogue through extended techniques and electronic integration.

Notable honors include:

• 2012-2013 Eisenhart Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Amazon.com Best 20th/21st Century Classical Recording of 2009
• Pulitzer Prize Finalist in Music (2015)

As a mentor, Lin has guided students to over fifty major competition victories including four First Prizes at the North American Saxophone Alliance Competition and multiple Gold Medals at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. His former students now hold teaching positions at universities and perform in premier military ensembles including 'The President's Own' U.S. Marine Band and U.S. Navy Band.

He founded and directs the Eastman Saxophone Project, an innovative ensemble dedicated to commissioning new works and developing collaborative performance practices within the saxophone community.