Chi-Chen Wu

Chi-Chen Wu is an Associate Professor of Piano and Chair of the Keyboard Area at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign School of Music. Previously, she held positions at the University of Wyoming and National Taiwan Normal University. Her expertise bridges classical tradition and contemporary expression through performance, research, and pedagogy.

Education:

• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), New England Conservatory
• Master of Music (2×), New England Conservatory
• Bachelor of Music, National Taiwan Normal University

Research & Performance Focus: Wu specializes in historical performance practices (e.g., Graf fortepiano recordings), contemporary music (premiering works by composers like Ralf Gawlick), and chamber music collaborations. Her research includes Schumann’s metronome markings and interpretive techniques in Fauré/Debussy.

Recent Projects: A 5-year initiative commissioning works by BIPOC woman composers, recordings of Faure’s duo works on an 1865 Pleyel piano, and interactive software collaborations with Chris Shelton.

Awards:

• Global Music Awards: Best Classical Album (Schumann Fantasie) & Gold Medal (Schumann Sonatas)
• World Piano Teachers Association’s highest honor (2012)
• Teaching Excellence Awards from international competitions

Ensembles: Helios Trio (Carnegie Hall debut) and Formosa Duo (cellist Sam Ou). She also collaborates with leading artists like violinist Augustin Hadelich and musicians from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.