Franz Zhao

San Francisco-based pianist Franz Zhao is an accomplished performer, composer, and educator. He actively maintains a teaching studio and holds staff pianist and vocal coach positions at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) Pre-College Division, San Francisco Boys Chorus, Young Women’s Choral Projects, and the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, where he serves as lead Artist-in-Residence for the Piano Department.

• Education:
  • MM in Piano Performance, San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • BM in Piano Performance, University of Southern California

With a career spanning recitals across North America, Asia, and Europe, Franz specializes in piano performance, chamber music, and composition, with works broadcast on NPR’s From the Top, KDFC, and KQED. He emphasizes efficient practice routines and passion in performance, quoting Beethoven: “To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.”

• Scientific Awards:
  • Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award