A native of China, Qin Ling began her piano training at age 5 and was an active prize winner of local and national competitions. When she was at the University of Georgia studying piano pedagogy with Dr. Pete Jutras, Dr. Ling was actively involved in the UGA Community Music School “Keyboard Kids” program. She was also involved in an online piano program teaching lessons to students at a girls’ school in Kenya.
Dr. Ling completed her D.M.A. from Texas Tech University, where she studied piano pedagogy with Dr. Carla Davis Cash and worked as a research and teaching assistant, instructing college music majors and adult amateurs. Her research examined topics such as Recreational Music Making, motor skill development in adult piano learners, and group music instruction for highly-stressed individuals. She has studied the phenomenon of flow and play, vulnerability, piano students with special needs, and the Kodály method. Dr. Ling’s work has been presented at the Texas Music Educators Association, Music Teachers National Association, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.
Dr. Ling has played solo and collaborative concert repertoire on a variety of stages across the United States and Europe. She was a first prize winner at the 2020 Charleston International Music Competition and has worked with many distinguished artists in masterclass settings. Her primary piano teachers included Dr. William Westney, Dr. Martha Thomas, and Dr. Sergio Ruiz.
Dr. Ling joined NSMS in 2021. In addition to teaching, she helped organize the third annual Silent Film Celebration. Dr. Ling has served as administrative support and translator for The Frances Clark Center. She translated the Center’s very first Chinese webinar, “Teaching Little Ears to Hear,” with Marvin Blickenstaff. She enjoys working with diverse learners, looking for the potential of music-making in every individual, and inspiring love for and appreciation of music.