Chenyu Li

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Hometown: Taiyuan, Shanxi, China

Current employer/position: PhD, University of Illinois Urbana—Champaign

Berklee graduate program: MM in Music Education

Undergraduate school: Communication University of Zhejiang, China

Undergraduate major: Music Performance

Principal instrument: Piano

Languages spoken (other than English): Chinese

Why did you choose Berklee's graduate program?

I chose Berklee’s graduate program because I found its curriculum to be exceptionally well-designed, combining practice and research in a meaningful way. Many of the courses are highly practical and contemporary, allowing me to apply what I learn directly to my teaching. At the same time, the program offers thought-provoking research courses that help strengthen my academic skills.

What was the most valuable thing you learned during your program?

As someone with a background in classical music, the most valuable thing I learned at Berklee was discovering the appeal and depth of popular music, and gradually developing a true passion for it. This experience helped me define my research focus—popular music pedagogy—and inspired me to pursue a PhD, with the goal of making meaningful contributions to the future of music education.

Briefly describe a memorable moment from your time in the graduate program.

One of my most memorable moments was when my professor and I sat together in class, casually exploring the guitar. Using just a few iconic notations, we unlocked the chords and played through a range of popular songs. The relaxed, hands-on atmosphere showed me the power of informal learning, and it sparked fresh inspiration for how I approach my own teaching.

How do you use the skills acquired during your master’s degree program in your current teaching position?

I incorporate more popular music and technology into my classes, creating stronger connections between the curriculum and students’ personal lives. I also focus on fostering a culturally responsive and student-centered learning environment.

What are your goals as an educator? Did your experience at Berklee help further those goals?

My goal is to ensure that every student actively engages in my music classroom and cultivates a lifelong passion for learning music. Berklee broadened my teaching practice and ignited my interest in music education research, inspiring me to pursue a PhD as a way to achieve this goal further.