I-Shan Lai

Music is my life!

“A renowned Erhu player whose artistry and dedication have made her a leading voice in the promotion and preservation of traditional Chinese music.”

About Me

I am a devoted Erhu performer whose passion for traditional Chinese music has shaped both my career and my mission as an artist. As the first Taiwanese musician accepted into the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Erhu performance, training under some of the most respected figures in the field.

After completing my academic studies, I had the honor of performing across Asia and internationally (Australia, China, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United States.) as a featured soloist and ensemble musician with the Macau Chinese Orchestra. These experiences allowed me to bring the expressive power of the Erhu to audiences around the world, and I have always sought to blend its deep-rooted traditions with modern artistic perspectives to connect with diverse generations.

Currently, I am based in Utah, USA. I am actively involved in promoting Chinese music throughout the region.

Experience

Performance / Lecture - 2025
Watch the videos

  1. 01/11 Utah Chinese Community - Utah Chinese New Year Celebration

  2. 01/27 Cultural presentation @ Waterford School

  3. 01/28 Chinese New Year Celebration @ Lucid Software

  4. 02/06 Culture presentation @ American Express

  5. 03/10 Chinese music lecture @ University of Hawaii

  6. 05/17 Salt Lake Chinese Choir Annual Concert - Guest Musician (Concerto / ensemble )@ Utah Tech University

  7. 05/29&30 2025 Spring Concert - Culture presentation @ Waterford School

  8. 06/01 Salt Lake Chinese Choir Annual Concert - Guest Musician (duet/ensemble) @ First Presbyterian Church

  9. 06/07 Salt Lake Chinese Choir Annual Concert - Guest Musician (duet/ensemble) @ Waterford School

  10. 06/23 American Youth Art Exhibit - Culture presentation @Holladay Library

Performance / Lecture - 2024
Watch the videos

  1. 02/03 Cottonwood Heights Council - Chinese New Year Celebration @ Cottonwood Heights City Hall

  2. 02/03 Utah Chinese Community - Chinese New Year Celebration @ Skyline High School

  3. 02/23 Cultural presentation @ Waterford School

  4. 02/24 Erhu & Kong Hou Concert @ Salt Lake City Library

  5. 03/01 Cultural presentation @ Rowland Hall School

  6. 03/06 Cultural presentation @ Salt Lake Convention Center

  7. 04/29 Graduate Celebration @ University of Utah

  8. 05/03 Golden Spike 155th Anniversary @ Ogden City Hall

  9. 08/09 Cultural presentation/ lecture @ Brigham Young University

  10. 08/24 Dragon Boat Festival @ Daybreak Creation

  11. 09/23 Utah Chinese Community - Mid Autumn Festival @ High School

  12. 12/07 Salt Lake Chinese Choir Annual Concert - Guest Musician (solo/ensemble) @Salt Lake City Library

  13. 12/15 Christmas Concert - Guest Musician (solo/ensemble) @ Christ United Methodist Church

Performance - 2023
Watch the videos

  1. 01/14 Utah Chinese Community - Chinese New Year Celebration

  2. 01/20 Cultural presentation @ Waterford School

  3. 01/21 Chinese New Year Celebration @ South Jordan Library

  4. 01/24 Cultural presentation @ Adobe

  5. 01/26 Cultural presentation @ Black Ridge Elementary School

  6. 02/10 Cultural presentation @ Rowland Hall School

  7. 05/02 Graduate Celebration @ University of Utah

  8. 08/13 USANA Annual Conference - Culture presentation @ Salt Lake Convention Center

  9. 08/21 Salt Lake City Art Council - Mondays in the park @ Liberty Park

  10. 08/26 Dragon Boat Festival @ Daybreak Creation

  11. 09/30 Utah Chinese Community - Mid Autumn Festival @ Millcrest High School

  12. 11/14 Annual Administrators Conference @ Provo Convention Center

  13. 12/17 Guest Musician (solo/ensemble) @ Sale Lake City Tabernacle

Performance / Lecture - Before 2022
Watch the videos

11/13/2021 BYU Annual Choir Concert - Guest Musician @ BYU Fine Center

10/03/2021 Celebration of Chinese Culture Week - Guest Musician @ Libby Gardner Concert Hall

01/31/2021 Lecture @ Taiwan Xizhou Junior High School

Education

2009 - 2011
Master of Music in Erhu Performance
Central Conservatory of Music

Extracurricular Activities

  • Concert master of Youth Chinese Orchestra.
  • Received two years “Best Student” Scholarship .
2005 - 2009
Bachelor of Music in Erhu Performancee
Central Conservatory of Music

Extracurricular Activities

  • First Taiwanese accepted into the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing
  • Member of Youth Chinese Orchestra for four years.

Videos

Erhu & Cello concerto
Erhu Cello Piano
Erhu & Cello concerto
Ode to the King of Western Chu
Erquan qin & choir
Erquan qin Choir
Erquan qin & choir
The Night in Ulaanbaatar
Erhu & Piano
Erhu Piano New Music
Erhu & Piano
A Lonely Person Sitting Viewing a Flower [World Premiere].

Lessons

One-on-One in person Lessons - Personalized Instruction
Students receive tailored feedback and instruction specific to their skill level, learning pace, and musical goals. This allows for faster progress and correction of technical issues.
Group Lessons - Social Learning and Ensemble Skills
Group settings encourage peer learning, ensemble playing, and a sense of community. Students gain experience in listening, timing, and blending with others—essential skills for musical performance.
Online lessons - Accessibility and Flexibility
Online lessons allow students to learn from anywhere, making it easier for those with busy schedules, transportation challenges, or who live in remote areas to access quality music education. It also offers flexible schedule.
Performance Opportunities for All Students
Both one on one and group lessons will provide performance opportunities.

Get in Touch

My inbox is always open. Whether you have a question or just want to say hi, I’ll try my best to get back to you!
Mail me
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