Originally from Urumqi, China, Xiaoya Gao (Sisi) is a pianist and music educator. Gao has performed in Asia, Europe, and the United States, including the Lawrence Chapel in Appleton, Wisconsin, the Blackbox Theatre in New York, and the Palais Corbelli in Vienna. Gao has an extensive music training background.
In 2019, she earned a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Lawrence Conservatory of Music, Lawrence University, Appleton WI. In 2021, she received a Master’s degree in piano performance and an Advanced Certificate in Piano Pedagogy at New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Gao is currently working towards her Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance and pedagogy at the University of South Carolina. She is also a dedicated accompanist and piano teacher in the Columbia area. During her free time, Gao likes to cook and take care of her plants.