Dai Xiaolian represents Guqin music traditions of the early 20th century and learned from celebrated Guqin masters including Zhang Ziqian, an elder in her family, and Gong Yi. She graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1985 and now serves as professor of traditional Chinese music and post-graduate supervisor of the SHCM.
She has combined the Guangling School of Guqin art with advantages of other schools of Guqin performance to form her own unique performance style. Her performance skills are solid, well-trained and impactful. She is capable of playing all styles of Guqin tunes and is also exploring new trend of Guqin music. She is one of the most celebrated Guqin artists and instructors of her generation.
Dai is influential both home and abroad in Guqin art skills and have performed at numerous concerts. Guqin education materials including musical notations and DVDs compiled by her have been studied by Guqin learners nationwide.
She has published multiple solo records and videos and hosted multiple Guqin solo concerts. Her performance and education were highly popular.
She has served social positions such as deputy director of Guqin professional committee of China Kunqu Opera & Guqin Research Institute; vice chairwoman of Guqin professional committee of China Nationalities Orchestra Society; chairwoman of Shanghai Guqin Research Institute of Shanghai Musician Association and master of the oral intangible culture heritage of Shanghai.
