Praised by Voce di Meche for his “vibrant velvety tone… variations of color and dynamics,” Dr. Xiaoming Tian is a New York-based baritone, music educator, researcher, and social media content creator. He has performed at premier venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Barclays Center, as well as international stages. Dr. Tian’s repertoire spans classical and contemporary opera, oratorio, and art song, showcasing his versatility and artistry. His honors include the Golden Prize in the Peacock Award Bel Canto Competition and the Champion title in the Sinovision C.S.O.C. Vocal Competition.

In 2024, Dr. Tian had the extraordinary honor of collaborating with Sir Stephen Hough, one of the world’s most distinguished pianists, for the U.S. premiere of Hough’s song cycle, Dappled Things. This milestone performance at the CUNY Graduate Center’s Elebash Hall marked a significant highlight in Tian’s career. Known for his collaborations with world-class artists and orchestras, Hough’s decision to partner with Dr. Tian reflects his recognition of Tian’s vocal artistry and interpretive depth. The concert received critical acclaim, with Hough praising Dr. Tian’s performance for its nuanced expression, vocal brilliance, and deep musicality.

The same concert also featured Dr. Tian’s performance of Meditation, a landmark song cycle by the celebrated composer Dr. Chen Yi. Dr. Chen’s music is considered a cornerstone of contemporary Chinese vocal repertoire, and her personal recognition of Tian’s interpretation underscored his ability to bridge cultures through music. His presentation of Chinese art songs, blending traditional elements with modern techniques, resonated with audiences and highlighted his dedication to promoting cultural exchange.

Dr. Tian’s scholarly contributions have been recognized with the prestigious 2024 HAMPSONG Fellowship for his research project, “The Intricate Relationship Between Intonation Contour and Melody in Chinese Pronunciation.” His research earned him invitations to present at the 50th Annual Conference of the Society for American Music in Detroit, the Cascade Song Festival in Eugene, Oregon, and the SOUND TYPE music writers workshop by the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia. Additionally, his proposal, “Beyond Pronunciation: Exploring The Intertwined World Of Intonation Contour And Melody In Chinese American Art Songs,” has been accepted for presentation at the Twentieth International Conference on the Arts in Society, to be held at Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for the Arts in Society in May 2025.

Dr. Tian is also an accomplished performer in opera and concert settings. He has taken on principal roles in productions such as The Marriage of Figaro (Count Almaviva), The Little Cunning Vixen (Forester), The Silk City (lead role), and Patience & Sarah (Parsen). His performance venues include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kaye Playhouse in New York, Washington’s Scott Fitzgerald Theater, and Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center. He has worked with notable directors and conductors, including J. David Jackson and John Fisher, and has collaborated with esteemed ensembles such as the Garden State Opera and the Aven Symphony Orchestra.

In addition, Dr. Tian was invited as a guest soloist for the Yellow River Cantata tour, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Anti-Fascist War, with performances at Yale University’s Woolsey Hall and Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre. In 2024, he was a featured soloist in the Golden Night Concert, presented by the Beijing Association of New York in collaboration with the New York Film Academy and the Asian Cultural Symphony of the USA, held at the Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center. He also performed at the Beyond Star Lights concert with musicians from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, MET Choir, and other leading ensembles, presenting an evening of classical, cinematic, and modern interpretations of traditional Buddhist songs.

An experienced educator, Dr. Tian has guided many students in both China and the United States, with several earning top awards in national and international competitions. His vocal teaching platform, Chord to Joy, has reached over 150,000 subscribers and garnered more than 10 million views, offering vocal techniques and performance insights to a global audience.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Tian is a sought-after judge for prominent national and international vocal competitions, including Sinovision’s University Voice National Finals and Columbia University’s Star Voice Singing Competition. His critiques are valued for their clarity and depth, providing constructive feedback to contestants and engaging audiences alike.

Dr. Tian began his vocal studies under the guidance of Prof. Enli Xin at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, where he earned both his Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees. He later continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music with Neil Rosenshein, earning a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and studied with the distinguished Robert White during his doctoral training at the CUNY Graduate Center.

Dr. Tian currently resides in New York City.