Rui Li

From the Grassland to the Concert Hall: Free Improvisation with Chinese Melodic Inspirations

Rui Li is the first DMA trumpeter in China, who also holds degrees in conducting, economic and international politics. Dr. Li joined China National Center for the Performing Arts Orchestra in fall 2014, he is also a member of NCPA Brass Quintet and lecturer for educational programs. Rui also plays with the Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra, and often gives free improvisation recitals national and internationally. Dr. Li has been invited to give masterclasses in many cities in China and several Universities in the United States. Rui has a big private trumpet studio in Beijing and several students became ITG competition prize recipients. Dr. Li is a writer and journalist for “Music Weekly”, one of the most influential publications on music in China. Rui Li graduated from Peking University, SUNY Stony Brook and University of Kentucky, his major teachers include Panru Li, Zhonghui Dai, Kevin Cobb, Mark Clodfelter, Vince DiMartino and Jason Dovel, while studying and working at UK, Rui started the free improvisation project, and founded the group “FreeK”. Rui Li is a Yamaha Artist and plays Ultimate Brass mouthpieces.