Who I Am
Leon Xiao is a passionate pianist dedicated to sharing music through collaboration with fellow musicians. His international performance experience includes recitals in Wuhan, Liaoning, Shanghai, and San Francisco. He has performed with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Chorus and the California Symphony, and was awarded the Gold Prize at the 2021 Asia International Piano Grand Prix in Macau. In addition to performing, Xiao has extensive experience teaching young students across the Bay Area, particularly teenagers. He is known for his thoughtful, patient, and engaging teaching style, tailoring each lesson to meet individual goals and fostering a supportive environment for musical growth. He received formal musical training at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Professor Corey McVicar.
Studio Recital in Feb 2024 - Schumann Kinderszenen Op. 15
First Notes of a Journey
Leon Xiao gave his first studio recital performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, showcasing a diverse program that reflected his artistic growth and dedication to expressive, refined piano playing. It marked an important milestone in his development as a solo performer.
Studio Recital Mar 2025 - Bach French Suite No. 2
Echoes of Growth
In his second studio recital at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Xiao presented a program that highlighted both technical refinement and artistic maturity. The performance reflected his continued exploration of sound, expression, and musical storytelling.
“I began playing piano at five, just for fun, but soon my small hobby blossomed into a big dream. Inspired by the rhythms of nature—the wind, rain, and birdsong—I found a voice in music that drives me to become a professional pianist, sharing those natural emotions with the world.”
— Leon Xiao