Dr. Michael Zheng - Office Manager

Zifeng Michael Zheng is a versatile pianist celebrated for his artistry as a recital soloist, orchestra soloist, chamber musician, collaborative pianist, and educator. His performances have been recognized for their musical sensitivity, technical command, and thoughtful interpretation across a wide range of repertoire. Michael came to wider recognition as the 2020 Concerto Competition Winner at the CUNY Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, where he performed Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor with the Conservatory Symphony Orchestra. Among his honors are awards from the Rosewood Fanning Piano Competition, and the Dorothy Taubman Music Festival Competition, as well as the De Los Mederos Special Award for Contemporary Music Performance and the Annual Outstanding Performance Award for five consecutive years.

As a collaborative pianist, Michael has built extensive experience in orchestral and chamber music settings. He served for five years as Pianist-in-Residence with the Brooklyn Conservatory Symphony Orchestra and has appeared with ensembles including the Lincoln Center Chamber Orchestra and the Hollywood Symphony in New York engagements. These experiences have shaped his sensitivity as an ensemble musician and strengthened his command of large-scale musical collaboration. Michael earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with full scholarship from Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude. He also holds a Master of Music and an Artist Diploma from the CUNY Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College, both completed with highest honors. His training reflects a broad and rigorous musical foundation, combining advanced performance study with pedagogy, theory-informed interpretation, and artistic research.

In addition to his work as a performer, Michael is an active and dedicated educator. At Arizona State University, he served as a teaching assistant and applied piano instructor, working with students from a wide range of musical backgrounds and levels. Michael is also committed to expanding public engagement with classical music. He is the founder and artistic director of Beyond the Notes — Themed Lecture Recital Series, a project that combines performance, commentary, and cultural context to create accessible concert experiences for community audiences. His work in public music education has included programs for seniors, veterans, lifelong learners, and community members beyond traditional concert spaces. In 2025, he was invited to present at the MTNA National Conference on creating educational concerts outside academic settings.

Michael has also held leadership roles in professional music organizations, including serving as President of the ASU MTNA Collegiate Chapter and Social Media Chair of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association. As Artist-in-Residence at Mirabella at Arizona State University, he presents regular performances and educational programs that foster connection through music, conversation, and interdisciplinary arts engagement. Through his work as a performer, educator, collaborator, and artistic advocate, Michael Zheng continues to share music with audiences and students through artistry, scholarship, and a sincere belief in music’s ability to connect people beyond the boundaries of the concert stage.