Biography
Ivy Lu Wang is a versatile pianist and educator, specializing in healthy piano performance techniques. In collaboration with Chinese medical students, she created a grant-funded program named “How Pianists Coexist with Tenosynovitis,” recognized as an honored program at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. She was invited to write a front-page article in “Music Weekly,” one of the most popular music publications in China. She is a lecturer in high demand for workshops, pedagogical workshops, and masterclasses around the world. She is the founder of the International Piano Professionals Association(IPPA) and the Conero International Piano Festival.
She currently serves as an adjunct piano professor at Ottawa University and as an assistant professor of practice in piano pedagogy at the University of Kansas. She studied with Dr. Scott McBride Smith at the University of Kansas and graduated with honors for her doctoral dissertation, titled ‘Applying the Rotation Principle to Avoid Injury in Piano Practice.’
In her performance career, Wang has earned multiple competition prizes, including the first prize in the 2011 Zhong-sin International Music Competition in Singapore, where she was invited to perform at the award ceremony with the jury. In June 2011, she won the first prize in the Second Deutschland and China & Gemeinsam Competition in Sichuan Province. Wang has graced stages in China, Canada, Singapore, Italy, Israel, and the US. Since 2017, she has been invited every year to perform at the Chinese New Year Concert in Kansas City. In 2021, Wang received invitations from CCTV (China Central Television) and KCCA (Kansas City Chinese Association) to perform for the “24-Hour Global Virtual Concert.”
Informal Things About Me
I am a “crazy” cat lady! Yes, I love cats! I am very proud of walking my cat daughter “Muse Wang Erickson” outside. However, I am still ok working with dog people……
In 2013, a car accident left me with a broken left wrist. Thanks to the exceptional care of Dr. Xiang Zhou, I underwent surgery to repair the fracture and, a year later, another procedure to remove the metal implants. Facing the permanent injury situation, I had a choice: to give up or find a new path forward. I listened to Bach Goldberg Variations again and again, while I was in hospital, thinking about my future: I can’t give up piano. Classical music make my life colorful and meaningful.
With the support of among my families and friends—especially my mentor, Dr. Scott McBride Smith, who guided me through this challenging time—I chose to persevere. This journey led me to a deeper passion for piano pedagogy and injury prevention. Today, I am committed to helping others overcome their own challenges and reach their musical aspirations
My journey has inspired me to create programs like the IPPA Online Piano Technique Workshop, where I helped hundreds of piano teachers and students develop healthy, effective practice habits. I’m also passionate about promoting the works of Tobias Matthay, whose philosophies have deeply influenced my playing and teaching, especially the ground work of piano technique.
Personal Life
I am grateful that growing up in China has nurtured so many wonderful traits in me—resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for tradition. Merging into American culture and marrying my husband, who comes from the opposite side of the world, has been a beautiful journey of blending perspectives and values. Despite our different backgrounds, we complement each other, growing together through every challenge and joy. Our life is a testament to the power of love, understanding, and shared dreams across cultures.
My husband’s unwavering support means the world to me, and I deeply cherish the life we’ve built together. Every day with him is a gift, filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.
Beyond music, I’m passionate about food and travel, always eager to explore new flavors and cultures. I embrace every journey with curiosity and excitement.