Xi Li
Performance - Solo Piano
Office: TC 332
Email: xli3268@uwo.ca
Xi Li (she/they) is a classical pianist currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Western University in Canada, specializing in music cognition under the guidance of Professor Stéphan Sylvestre and supervised by Professor adam bell.
Her earlier research explored the relationship between music and politics in China, particularly how sociopolitical forces influence pianists’ artistic interpretations and performance styles. Building on that foundation, Xi’s current work moves beyond this focus to examine the lived experiences of autistic women in piano learning. Drawing from her own experiences as an autistic musician, she investigates how cognitive, emotional, and embodied processes shape the ways autistic individuals engage with piano playing and musical expression.
Xi’s research and teaching practice are grounded in her commitment to making piano education more accessible and inclusive for neurodiverse learners. She currently leads an online keyboard workshop for autistic adults under Professor bell’s SSHRC-funded project, which provides a supportive space for participants to explore music as a tool for self-expression, emotional development, and connection.
Her musical journey began in China under Professors Minghui Li and Danwen Wei, later continuing at Bowling Green State University under Dr. Robert Satterlee. She also studied with Dr. Tibor Szász and Professor Gilead Mishory at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg before coming to Canada. Xi has presented solo recitals and collaborative performances in China, the United States, and Canada, developing a distinctive artistic voice that weaves together her cultural background, lived experience, and reflective musicianship.
