Biography

Chinese-American composer and conductor Dr. Kevin X. Li (b.1997)creates emotionally expressive music that guides listeners through vivid sonic landscapes. His compositions use music as a powerful medium to invite reflection on the complexity of our time and the beauty of life.

Drawing from diverse cultural influences—including Chinese folk idioms, American jazz harmony, Argentine tango rhythms and European classical forms—Kevin has developed a unique artistic voice that has earned international recognition. His works have received numerous honors, including the Fulbright Grant for Poland (2025), First Place in The American Prize in Instrumental Chamber Music (2023), Florence Film Award: Best Original Score (2021), Finalist of Best Soundtrack: Oniors Film Awards (2021), and Finalist for The Alexander Zemlinsky Prize in Chamber Music (2024).

He grew up in an artistic family, surrounded by the captivating sound of orchestras. Since an early age, he had devoted himself to learning piano and clarinet, and his hard work was rewarded when he won multiple national and international youth competitions during his teens in China. His musical talent was further recognized at The Beijing Hall, where he held his piano recital in 2015.

He currently serves as Instructor for Film Music at Xavier University and as Visiting Faculty in Music Technology at Miami University, sharing his expertise in composition, film music, and technology with the next generation of musicians. Kevin earned his Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in Composition with cognates in Orchestral Conducting at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), University of Cincinnati, as well as his Bachelor of Music in Commercial Music Production. He studied with esteemed mentors, including Dr. Douglas Knehans, Dr. Zhou Tian, Dr. Ellen Harrison, and Dr. Aik Khai Pung.