Annie Zhou shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Annie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing the chance to share the true passion of music through the Guzheng. For me, it’s not only about preserving the tradition of this ancient instrument but also about bringing it into today’s world in a way that speaks to people across cultures. As a performer and composer, I want every note to carry emotion, to tell a story, and to connect hearts beyond language and borders.
If I stopped, I would lose the very voice that has always allowed me to express who I am. The Guzheng is more than an instrument to me—it’s my way of communicating, of honoring heritage, and of creating new stories that belong to this moment in time. Without sharing that passion, I’d feel like I’ve silenced an important part of myself, and I would miss the chance to touch people who might need that music in their lives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Los Angeles–based Guzheng Performer/Composer, Recording Academy Voting Member. Trained under Guzheng master Wang Changyuan and American composers Paul Novros and Vinny Golia, I studied MFA in Performer/Composer program at CalArts with the Lilian Disney Scholarship. Dedicated to bridging Chinese traditional music with American culture, I have performed at prestigious venues and events, including the National Gallery of Art, the Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration, the Qingdao International Beer Festival, and the Pacific Symphony’s Lunar New Year Concert.
My original works, which blend traditional and contemporary elements, have been featured by the former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Rusnak Mercedes-Benz Commercial, PBS, as well as on global streaming platforms. In 2024, my music reached nearly one million streams on Spotify. I’m also grateful that my compositions have received recognition and awards from events including the Shengshi Huazheng Guzheng Festival, the International Songwriting Competition, and the Dunhuang Award for Chinese Chamber Music.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, my biggest teacher about work has been the Guzheng itself. Learning the instrument required patience, discipline, and resilience. It taught me that real progress comes from practicing every day, even when it’s difficult—and that mindset has shaped how I approach everything I do. From the moment I first heard the Guzheng, I was deeply drawn to its sound and committed myself to learning and practicing.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to train under Guzheng master Wang Changyuan and American composers Paul Novros and Vinny Golia. I’ve also learned so much from friends and mentors in my career, including Kristopher Carter, the composer for the Batman movies, multi-platinum producer Pascal Guyon, and Leo Anthony. Each of them has added to my understanding of what dedication and hard work truly mean.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes, I remember performing one of my original Guzheng compositions for a small audience at an intimate concert. Afterward, a woman approached me and told me that the music had reminded her of her grandmother’s village in China, even though she hadn’t been back in decades. She said she felt like I had told her story without words. That moment stayed with me, because it showed me what it feels like when someone truly listens — not just with their ears, but with their heart. It reminded me why I do what I do.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, it is, but it’s not all of me. The public sees the part of me that’s deeply devoted to music, and that’s absolutely real. I work very hard at my craft because I truly believe in what I’m sharing. But outside of music, I also make it a priority to enjoy life and encourage others to do the same. I love outdoor activities like hiking, Scuba diving, and skiing, and traveling is a must for me, it keeps me grounded and inspired. In fact, much of my creativity comes from these experiences and from seeing life from many perspectives.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. Music—especially the Guzheng—has always felt like my true voice, not something someone assigned to me. Of course, I’ve had teachers and mentors who guided me, but the passion to perform, compose, and share this instrument with the world comes from deep within. It’s not an obligation; it’s a calling. Every time I play my instrument, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Like when I was creating my recent original piece “404: Lost in Neon”, I felt the notes and energy calling to me, and the music already existed inside me. I was simply bringing it to life, completely immersed in the joy of creating it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anniezhouguzheng.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniezhouguzheng
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieZhouGuzheng
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnnieZhou
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3TZsawYsbwnv6Z40pndApZ?si=3DjIntqeQvSEHlygrWgRTQ
Image Credits
Annie Zhou
