What you can find here
Pipa Course
We provide dedicated Children’s and Adults’ Courses to support students of all ages and learning levels.
Guzheng Course
We provide Guzheng lessons to Children and Adults from all ages and learning levels.
HSC Music Theory
We provide extensive teaching resources to support your child’s HSC Music Theory
Incursion Program
We offer students an immersive experience into the beauty of traditional Chinese arts.
Amazonite Ensemble
We strive to build an ensemble of young and talented Australian and Asian musicians. Welcome to join us.
Iris (Xinyang) Li is a visionary Pipa soloist, composer, and educator whose work redefines the dialogue between Eastern tradition and Western innovation. She made history as the first student admitted to and graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music majoring in a Chinese traditional instrument—the Pipa—pioneering a new space for Chinese music in Western academic institutions.
As an educator, Iris champions accessibility and cultural exchange. Her method book, My First Pipa Book, is the first English-language Pipa guide for students outside China. Through her work at Sydney high schools and now at her own Iris Music School, she nurtures new generations of global musicians exploring Chinese heritage through contemporary lenses.
Iris is the founder and the director of the Amazonite Fusion Music Ensemble, a youth ensemble that features the Pipa while combining Eastern and Western musical styles to promote an innovative "East-West fusion" that inspires a fresh era of aesthetic expression.
Iris Li currently teaches private Pipa lessons and lead the Chinese Music Ensemble at Santa Sabina College, providing students with the opportunity to explore Chinese music within a school setting.
As the President of the Australian Pipa Association (APA), Iris is committed to building a strong community for Pipa in Australia, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting new generations of musicians.
In 2025, Iris was commissioned for Propagate / Germinate / Bloom, a major project presented by 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art in collaboration with Brisbane-based artist duo Man&Wah. In this immersive installation—featuring sound, video projection, prints, and spatial design. As part of the opening celebrations, Iris will perform live, activating the gallery through a meditative Pipa soundscape, inviting audiences to enter a contemplative sonic and visual environment.
Her work frequently bridges performance with broader disciplines: in March 2023, she was part of the March Dance Bursary for her original score to New York Conversations, a performance with Seet Dance in collaboration with the Merce Cunningham Trust and Melissa Toogood. The work featured the first full staging of Field Dances (1963) in Australia by non-Cunningham Company dancers, brought to life through Iris’s innovative cross-cultural composition.
Her music also reaches screen audiences—she is a featured artist on the soundtrack of Amazon Prime’s Five Blind Dates—and orchestral stages, performing as guest soloist with the Magnifical Chamber Orchestra in April 2025.
Through her dual roles as educator and performer, Iris (Xinyang) Li is shaping a more inclusive musical future—where Chinese instruments and stories find their place in contemporary classrooms and concert halls.
About Iris
Iris (Xinyang) Li is a visionary Pipa soloist, composer, and educator whose work redefines the dialogue between Eastern tradition and Western innovation. She made history as the first student admitted to and graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music majoring in a Chinese traditional instrument—the Pipa—pioneering a new space for Chinese music in Western academic institutions.
As an educator, Iris champions accessibility and cultural exchange. Her method book, My First Pipa Book, is the first English-language Pipa guide for students outside China. Through her work at Sydney high schools and now at her own Iris Music School, she nurtures new generations of global musicians exploring Chinese heritage through contemporary lenses.
Iris is the founder and the director of the Amazonite Fusion Music Ensemble, a youth ensemble that features the Pipa while combining Eastern and Western musical styles to promote an innovative "East-West fusion" that inspires a fresh era of aesthetic expression.
Iris Li currently teaches private Pipa lessons and lead the Chinese Music Ensemble at Santa Sabina College, providing students with the opportunity to explore Chinese music within a school setting.
As the President of the Australian Pipa Association (APA), Iris is committed to building a strong community for Pipa in Australia, fostering cultural exchange, and supporting new generations of musicians.
In 2025, Iris was commissioned for Propagate / Germinate / Bloom, a major project presented by 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art in collaboration with Brisbane-based artist duo Man&Wah. In this immersive installation—featuring sound, video projection, prints, and spatial design. As part of the opening celebrations, Iris will perform live, activating the gallery through a meditative Pipa soundscape, inviting audiences to enter a contemplative sonic and visual environment.
Her work frequently bridges performance with broader disciplines: in March 2023, she was part of the March Dance Bursary for her original score to New York Conversations, a performance with Seet Dance in collaboration with the Merce Cunningham Trust and Melissa Toogood. The work featured the first full staging of Field Dances (1963) in Australia by non-Cunningham Company dancers, brought to life through Iris’s innovative cross-cultural composition.
Her music also reaches screen audiences—she is a featured artist on the soundtrack of Amazon Prime’s Five Blind Dates—and orchestral stages, performing as guest soloist with the Magnifical Chamber Orchestra in April 2025.
Through her dual roles as educator and performer, Iris (Xinyang) Li is shaping a more inclusive musical future—where Chinese instruments and stories find their place in contemporary classrooms and concert halls.
About Iris
Read More
Iris (Xinyang) Li is a visionary Pipa soloist, composer, and educator whose work redefines the dialogue between Eastern tradition and Western innovation. She made history as the first student admitted to and graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music majoring in a Chinese traditional instrument—the Pipa—pioneering a new space for Chinese music in Western academic institutions.
As an educator, Iris champions accessibility and cultural exchange. Her method book, My First Pipa Book, is the first English-language Pipa guide for students outside China. Through her work at Sydney high schools and now at her own Iris Music School, she nurtures new generations of global musicians exploring Chinese heritage through contemporary lenses.
Iris is the founder and the director of the Amazonite Fusion Music Ensemble, a youth ensemble that features the Pipa while combining Eastern and Western musical styles to promote an innovative "East-West fusion" that inspires a fresh era of aesthetic expression.
About Iris
"We share the beauty of Chinese culture through the sound of traditional instruments."
"We share the beauty of Chinese culture through the sound of traditional instruments."
Our Teaching Philosophy
Let us grow with you
We are here for your child’s musical journey as they grow. Our role goes beyond teaching them how to play music. We walk alongside them, step by step, through their life journey. Many of our students stay with us for years, allowing us to witness not only their musical progress but also their growth in other areas of life. It is an honor to have your trust, and we are deeply grateful that you choose to entrust us with your child’s musical development.
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In today's fast-paced world, we offer students a moment to slow down - and a meaningful way to reconnect with themselves through our Chinese music instrumental lesson program
Guzheng Lesson Program
Our Guzheng lessons are tailored to suit different ages and levels
🎵 Beginner (Children / Adults)
Proper posture and relaxed hand position
Fundamental plucking techniques
Simple and enjoyable repertoire
🎵 Intermediate Level
Left-hand techniques and tonal shaping
Development of musical phrasing
Greater control of dynamics and expression
Broader repertoire exploration
🎵 Advanced / Exams / Competitions (Exam / Eisteddfod)
Refined technique and musical detail
In-depth interpretation of repertoire
Performance preparation and polish
Confidence and stage awareness
Pipa Lesson Program
Our Pipa lessons are tailored to suit different ages and levels
🎵 Beginner (Children / Adults)
Proper posture and hand coordination
Fundamental plucking and finger techniques
Engaging beginner repertoire
Rhythm accuracy and control
🎵 Intermediate Level
Development of speed and articulation
Strengthening left-hand techniques
Expressive contrasts and musical character
Expanding technical and musical range
🎵 Advanced / Exams / Competitions (Exam / Eisteddfod)
Advanced technical control and precision
Complex repertoire and interpretation
Performance refinement and stage training
Confidence under pressure
🌸 Our Teaching Approach
Emphasis on Musical Sensitivity: We nurture nuance, tone, and emotional depth
Music + Cultural Appreciation: Students connect with the poetic and cultural essence of the Guzheng
Calm and Encouraging Environment: Learning happens best when students feel relaxed and supported
Student-Centred Learning: We support each student's unique pace and personality
🎤 Performance Opportunities
At Iris Music School, performance is a natural extension of learning. Students may have opportunities to participate in:
✨ Concerts and annual recitals
✨ Studio sharing sessions
✨ Competitions and examinations
✨ School and community cultural events
Through these experiences, students develop:
✨ Stage confidence and presence
✨ Stronger performance skills
✨ A bold and expressive musical identity
HSC Music Theory
Target Audience: HSC Year 11-12 students in Music 1/2/Extension
Taught by selective school music teachers, overcoming language barriers with focused exam training and past paper practice.
Incursion Program
Our Chinese Music & Culture Incursion Program offers students an immersive experience into the beauty of traditional Chinese arts. The program features a live ensemble performance, followed by an engaging cultural journey through historical clothing, musical instruments, and hands-on activities.
Students will be introduced to traditional Hanfu costumes from major dynasties—including the Song, Tang, Ming, and Qing periods—with the opportunity to try on selected outfits themselves.
The program also provides an educational look into the structure, history, and unique sounds of key Chinese musical instruments. Members of our ensemble demonstrate how each instrument is played, helping students appreciate the richness of Chinese music and orchestral traditions.
This interactive incursion is designed to inspire curiosity, cultural understanding, and artistic appreciation among students of all ages.
Find More
Incursion Program
Our Chinese Music & Culture Incursion Program offers students an immersive experience into the beauty of traditional Chinese arts. The program features a live ensemble performance, followed by an engaging cultural journey through historical clothing, musical instruments, and hands-on activities.
Students will be introduced to traditional Hanfu costumes from major dynasties—including the Song, Tang, Ming, and Qing periods—with the opportunity to try on selected outfits themselves.
The program also provides an educational look into the structure, history, and unique sounds of key Chinese musical instruments. Members of our ensemble demonstrate how each instrument is played, helping students appreciate the richness of Chinese music and orchestral traditions.
This interactive incursion is designed to inspire curiosity, cultural understanding, and artistic appreciation among students of all ages.
Find More
Amazonite Ensemble
The Amazonite Fusion Ensemble is a vibrant community of young and talented Australian/Asian musicians in Sydney, coming together to celebrate diversity and bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures through music. The ensemble was founded by Iris Li (Pipa) and Brian Sim (Cello). Since its establishment, the ensemble has actively participated in various performances organized by local councils in Sydney. In 2022, they were featured in the filming and soundtrack recording of the Amazon-produced romantic comedy Five Blind Dates, which highlights the lives of Chinese Australians.
Our ensemble is a unique amalgamation of Pipa (Chinese lute) and other string instruments. Led by Iris Li and Brian Sim, our members include Primary school and High school students who are encouraged to explore a wide range of music, including popular pieces, Western classical works, soundtrack music and rearrangement of traditional Chinese music. We strive to create an inclusive and inspiring environment, where all can join in to share the joy of music.
Join Us
Amazonite Ensemble
The Amazonite Fusion Ensemble is a vibrant community of young and talented Australian/Asian musicians in Sydney, coming together to celebrate diversity and bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures through music. The ensemble was founded by Iris Li (Pipa) and Brian Sim (Cello). Since its establishment, the ensemble has actively participated in various performances organized by local councils in Sydney. In 2022, they were featured in the filming and soundtrack recording of the Amazon-produced romantic comedy Five Blind Dates, which highlights the lives of Chinese Australians.
Our ensemble is a unique amalgamation of Pipa (Chinese lute) and other string instruments. Led by Iris Li and Brian Sim, our members include Primary school and High school students who are encouraged to explore a wide range of music, including popular pieces, Western classical works, soundtrack music and rearrangement of traditional Chinese music. We strive to create an inclusive and inspiring environment, where all can join in to share the joy of music.
Join Us
In today's fast-paced world, we offer students a moment to slow down - and a meaningful way to reconnect with themselves through our Chinese music instrumental lesson program
Guzheng Lesson Program
Our Guzheng lessons are tailored to suit different ages and levels
🎵 Beginner (Children / Adults)
Proper posture and relaxed hand position
Fundamental plucking techniques
Simple and enjoyable repertoire
🎵 Intermediate Level
Left-hand techniques and tonal shaping
Development of musical phrasing
Greater control of dynamics and expression
Broader repertoire exploration
🎵 Advanced / Exams / Competitions (Exam / Eisteddfod)
Refined technique and musical detail
In-depth interpretation of repertoire
Performance preparation and polish
Confidence and stage awareness
Pipa Lesson Program
Our Pipa lessons are tailored to suit different ages and levels
🎵 Beginner (Children / Adults)
Proper posture and hand coordination
Fundamental plucking and finger techniques
Engaging beginner repertoire
Rhythm accuracy and control
🎵 Intermediate Level
Development of speed and articulation
Strengthening left-hand techniques
Expressive contrasts and musical character
Expanding technical and musical range
🎵 Advanced / Exams / Competitions (Exam / Eisteddfod)
Advanced technical control and precision
Complex repertoire and interpretation
Performance refinement and stage training
Confidence under pressure
🌸 Our Teaching Approach
Emphasis on Musical Sensitivity: We nurture nuance, tone, and emotional depth
Music + Cultural Appreciation: Students connect with the poetic and cultural essence of the Guzheng
Calm and Encouraging Environment: Learning happens best when students feel relaxed and supported
Student-Centred Learning: We support each student's unique pace and personality
🎤 Performance Opportunities
At Iris Music School, performance is a natural extension of learning. Students may have opportunities to participate in:
✨ Concerts and annual recitals
✨ Studio sharing sessions
✨ Competitions and examinations
✨ School and community cultural events
Through these experiences, students develop:
✨ Stage confidence and presence
✨ Stronger performance skills
✨ A bold and expressive musical identity
HSC Music Theory
Target Audience: HSC Year 11-12 students in Music 1/2/Extension
Taught by selective school music teachers, overcoming language barriers with focused exam training and past paper practice.