Biography

Chinese-American composer and conductor Dr. Kevin Xing Ru Li (b. 1997) creates lush, emotionally expressive music that takes listeners on captivating journeys, encouraging reflection on the beauty of life. Kevin uses music as a powerful tool to explore the human condition and address current social issues.

Drawing from diverse cultural influences—including Chinese folk traditions, American jazz, and European classical music—Kevin’s works have earned him numerous accolades, including First Place in The American Prize in Instrumental Chamber Music (2023), Finalist for The Alexander Zemlinsky Prize in Chamber Music (2024), and Fulbright U.S. Student Program Semi-Finalist for a Study/Research Grant (2025).

He grew up in an artistic family, surrounded by the captivating sound of orchestras. Since an early age, he 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.

In addition to concert music, Kevin is passionate about merging art music and commercial music. His film score for the indie film Margie’s Christmas Eve won the Florence Film Award: Best Original Score, Tuscany, Italy, 2021, and made it to the Finalist of Best Soundtrack: Oniors Film Awards – New York, NY, 2021.