Dr. Xiaoke Cheng

Stone Oak

Piano
6 and up, Beginner to Advanced

Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, University of Missouri at Columbia
Master of Music in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Ph.D. in Music Education-Piano Pedagogy, Florida State University

Teaching Philosophy

“I believe a successful music educator evidences personal qualities of leadership, intellectual curiosity, and social commitment.  Music educators approach life, music, and the teaching profession in a positive, imaginative, and enthusiastic way.

To create a respect and desire for musical experiences, my primary goal is to motivate students to cultivate convincing musical expressions and to develop a life-long interest in music.  Teaching piano is not only ‘teaching and learning’, but also an opportunity to guide students in planning their musical journey. It is a great joy to see students realizing the beauty of the polishing process. I always feel extremely rewarded when I hear progress and polished musical expression from my students’ playing, regardless of their level and background because I understand how much effort they put forth. I strive to have my students leave every lesson and class motivated and inspired to become a better pianist and musician.”

Professional Experience

Ms. Cheng is a faculty member at the University of the Incarnate Word where she teaches class piano, keyboard skills, and piano proficiency review. She holds a Ph.D. in Music Education with an Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy from Florida State University. Additional degrees include M.M. degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a B.M. degree in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Ms. Cheng was an instructor at the Clarke University, Loras College, and the University of Illinois Piano Laboratory Program.  She has also served as a music assistant at FSU Summer Music Camps, Illinois Summer Youth Music, Northeast Iowa School of Music, New York Summer Music Festival, and University of Missouri Community Music Program.

As an active pianist, Ms. Cheng performs as both a piano soloist and collaborative artist throughout the United States and China. She is an active member of the Pi Kappa Lambda national music honor society, College Music Society, and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).