Bio

Joanne Wu is an accomplished Taiwanese-American violinist and pianist known for her performances and educational contributions along the West Coast. She earned her B.M. in Violin Performance from the University of the Pacific Conservatory in 2020 and M.M. in Violin Performance from San Jose State University in 2022, receiving multiple scholarships and awards for her excellence.

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During her time at the University of the Pacific, Joanne studied under Dr. Ann Miller and Igor Veligan for violin and Dr. Sonia Leong for piano. She showcased her talents with the University Symphony Orchestra and diverse chamber groups, even participating in PacHeavy, a student-led heavy metal ensemble. Notably, Joanne received the "Outstanding Achievement" award as part of the University Symphony Orchestra.

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At San Jose State University, under the guidance of Dr. Motoko Toba and Dr. Catalina Barraza, Joanne served as concertmaster for the University Orchestra and led the baroque ensemble, Collegium Musicum. Her involvement extended to Disrupt, a contemporary new music ensemble. Joanne engaged in enriching masterclasses with acclaimed musicians, including the Grammy Award winning Catalyst Quartet and andPlay. Her dedication earned her the prestigious Above and Beyond Award upon graduation in 2022.

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Joanne's portfolio boasts collaborations with renowned artists like Pasquale Esposito, contributing to his PBS Christmas special performances in 2021 and 2022. She also participated in successive years at the Chee-Yun & Friends Music Festival, engaging with esteemed artists like Chee-Yun Kim and the Breshears Quartet. Joanne received a violin fellowship at the InterHarmony International Music Festival in Italy, where she held the position of concertmaster and refined her skills under the guidance of top-tier musicians such as Misha Quint and in masterclasses with Andrey Baranov, Kevin Lefohn, and Yuri Zaidenburg. In 2022, Joanne earned a scholarship to attend the 19th International Music Workshop and Festival in Germany, benefiting from the mentorship of Kyoko Hashimoto, Ramon Jaffe, and Helge Slaatto in the realm of chamber music. At the present, Joanne frequently performs with Rogue Valley Symphony in Oregon, North State Symphony, Golden Gate Symphony, Renegade Orchestra, as well as in the pit for various musicals throughout California. 

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Joanne’s overarching aspiration is to share her love and passion for music, both through captivating performances and impactful teaching. Her mission is to illuminate the beauty and transformative power of music, inspiring others to embrace it as a form of artistic expression and healing.