Pianist Gianne Ge Zhu received her doctoral degree in piano performance, piano pedagogy, and piano literature from James Madison University (JMU), and her master’s degrees in piano performance and pedagogy, music theory pedagogy along with a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. She currently instructs piano to students at all levels in northern Virginia and southern Maryland. She also serves as the state music theory chair for the Virginia Music Teachers Association (VMTA). 

Dr. Zhu is enthusiastic about sharing her music knowledge and has more than ten years of experience in teaching music. Her students have recently been selected and performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in NYC, and two of the high-school students she instructed were also accepted, respectively, by the Interlochen Summer Music Festival and by JMU, as a piano major. Dr. Zhu previously instructed music-major students in group-piano for three years at JMU. The content of the instruction covered the full range of basic keyboard skills. During that same period, she also, in the absence of the lead professor, taught accompanying class. Her research in the area of piano teaching was selected and presented at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Piano Pedagogy Symposium in 2017 and 2018. 

As an active pianist, Dr. Zhu has performed in solo and chamber music, and also engaged in intensive accompaniment in the U.S., China, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Malta. She is a prize-winner at numerous competitions, including the Sixth Catholic University of America International Piano Competition, West Virginia International Piano Competition, JMU Concerto/Aria Competition, VMTA Piano Concerto Competition, and VMTA Young Artist Piano Competition. She was also one of the finalists at the 1st Brescia International Piano Competition and was selected to compete at both the 2022 Odyssiad International Piano Competition and 15th Campillos International Piano Competition. As a duo, along with flutist Guilherme Andreas, the two have been invited to perform actively throughout the U.S, including at the 2021 National Flute Conference (held virtually), the 2019 National Flute Convention in Chicago, the Global Brazilian Conference at the Duke University. Their album, “Beyond Bossa Nova” is available for listening on all major streaming platforms. Dr. Zhu also has a passion for promoting the work by contemporary classical composers. Her doctoral lecture-recital and dissertation focused on the works by the American female composer, Augusta Read Thomas. Dr, Zhu’s performance was highly praised by the composer as “utterly incredible and beautifully done!” and is featured on the composer’s website.

Born in Jiangsu, China, Dr. Zhu began piano lessons at the age of five. Her major piano professors include Dr. Eric Ruple, Ms. Yong Hi Moon, and Ms. Shizhen Yao. Dr. Zhu currently resides in Fairfax, VA. In her free time, she likes to explore the many offerings of northern Virginia. From taking in the sights and sounds of the area’s many parks and hiking trails, to indulging in the region’s culinary delights.