Yu-Lien The

Yu-Lien The is an Associate Professor of Keyboard Studies and Head of the Keyboard Department at the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music, Western Michigan University. Her roles include teaching, leading academic initiatives, and performing internationally. She holds a D.M.A. in Piano Performance from Michigan State University (2013), M.M. from Western Michigan University (2003), and multiple Artist Diplomas from German institutions, including the Hochschule für Musik Detmold and Hannover.

Her research focuses on contemporary music, with an emphasis on collaborations with composers and world premieres. Notable collaborations include work with saxophonists Joe Lulloff and Henning Schröder, and composers Dorothy Chang, Keith Murphy, and Carter Pann. She has performed with ensembles like Opus21, premiering works at venues such as Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall and Symphony Space in New York.

Awarded the 12th International Piano Competition Viotti-Valsesia and the Deutsche Musikwettbewerb, Dr. The is also affiliated with the National Concert Podium for Young Artists in Germany. Her performances include solo recitals with the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie and lecture-recitals such as 'The Other Diabelli-Variations' (2012).

Prior to WMU, she taught at Bowling Green State University, Valparaiso University, and Kalamazoo College. She is actively involved in promoting contemporary composers and has contributed to recordings and educational materials in piano pedagogy.