Aria Li, Church, Wedding, Orchestra Harpist

If you come to my performance, you can expect a heartfelt and engaging musical experience that connects deeply with the audience. I bring not only high-level artistry but also a warm stage presence that suits both intimate gatherings and larger events.

If you hire me, you’ll get a reliable, professional musician who understands how to adapt to the needs of your event—whether it’s creating an elegant atmosphere, moving people emotionally, or elevating the overall experience. I’m here to help you make your event memorable and seamless.

Dr. Yirui Li is a distinguished harpist and pedagogue based in Houston, Texas, celebrated for her refined artistry, scholarly insight, and dynamic contributions to the global harp community. She currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Harp at Sam Houston State University and presides over the Greater Houston Chapter of the American Harp Society. Her pedagogical philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, artistic expression, and cultural literacy, nurturing the next generation of versatile and thoughtful musicians.
A native of China, Dr. Li commenced her formal musical education at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, where she completed both her Pre-College and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Harp Performance. She earned her Master of Music from the State University of New York at Fredonia and her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Oregon, where she was a recipient of a full doctoral fellowship. Her dissertation, Pedagogical Strategies for Managing Music Performance Anxiety on the Harp, underscores her innovative approach to holistic music education.
As a sought-after performer, Dr. Li has appeared with a wide range of prestigious ensembles, including Orchestra Next, the Eugene Ballet, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Skagit Symphony, West Texas Symphony, and the UT-RGV Symphony Orchestra. Her expansive repertoire spans canonical masterworks such as Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Holst’s The Planets, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, as well as contemporary gems by composers including Zhou Tian, Shaila Kanga, and Michael Daugherty.
Dr. Li’s artistic achievements have been recognized through numerous international accolades, including First Prize at both the American International Music Competition and the Van Bach International Music Competition. Her performance and academic excellence have been profiled by major media outlets such as People’s Daily and Luoyang Evening News, reflecting her status as a cultural ambassador and innovator.
A certified instructor with the China Orchestra Network and a Young Artist recognized by the same organization, Dr. Li is an active member of the World Harp Congress and serves on the editorial advisory board of the British Journal of Business and Psychology Research. She is regularly invited to adjudicate competitions and facilitate workshops, reflecting her leadership and influence within the harp community.
Through her multifaceted career as a performer, educator, and scholar, Dr. Yirui Li continues to elevate the harp’s expressive possibilities and inspire a global community of musicians.

Lighting can be dim but I will need a music stand light to help me read the music; since the harp is a large instrument I will need an elevator to move the harp when performing on stage or a high floor (unless you want to book a performance of the lever harp where an elevator is no longer necessary).