Canton Symphony Orchestra
MASTERWORKS I: DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY
- Omar Thomas — Come Sunday
- Korngold — Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35
- Dvořák — Symphony No. 9, From the New World
Serving Cleveland and Greater Cleveland
Ruoyao Li
Violinist & Educator
Refined private violin lessons in Cleveland and Greater Cleveland for young beginners, advancing students, adult learners, and audition-focused musicians.
About
Biography
Cleveland-based violinist and educator with a performance-centered approach to private instruction.
Ruoyao Li is a Cleveland-based violinist and educator recognized for his refined musicianship, technical excellence, and thoughtful approach to teaching. As both an active professional orchestral musician and dedicated educator, he brings real-world performance experience into every lesson, helping students develop the skills, confidence, and artistry needed to succeed both on and off the stage.
Li earned both his Master of Music and Artist Diploma in Violin Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied under internationally renowned violinists Ilya Kaler and Olga Kaler. His conservatory training, combined with extensive professional performance experience, has shaped a teaching philosophy centered on technical excellence, musical expression, disciplined practice, and lifelong artistic growth.
An active performer throughout Northeast Ohio, Li has performed with the Erie Philharmonic, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and other professional ensembles. His artistry has also been featured at internationally recognized festivals, including the Bowdoin International Music Festival, Keshet Eilon International String Mastercourse, InterHarmony International Music Festival, and the Shanghai International String Festival.
As an educator, Li teaches students of all ages and experience levels, from young beginners discovering the violin for the first time to advanced musicians preparing for Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO) auditions, competitions, conservatory admissions, and professional orchestra auditions. His teaching emphasizes building a solid technical foundation, developing healthy and efficient playing habits, cultivating expressive artistry, and encouraging independent musical thinking. Every lesson is carefully tailored to each student's individual goals, learning style, and musical aspirations.
Li's students have earned membership in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO), served as Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Cinematic Symphony Youth Orchestra, and received top honors in the American Young Artists Competition (AYAC) and the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) State Solo & Ensemble Adjudicated Events. In addition to maintaining an active private studio, he has coached both the Akron Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Canton Symphony Youth Orchestra, helping young musicians strengthen their orchestral skills, musical confidence, and artistic maturity.
Drawing upon his experience as a professional performer, Li believes that learning the violin extends beyond technical proficiency. His goal is to help every student become a thoughtful, confident, and expressive musician while fostering discipline, creativity, and a genuine love of music. Whether working with a child taking their first lesson, an adult returning to the instrument, or an aspiring conservatory student, he is committed to creating a supportive and inspiring environment where every student can achieve their highest potential.
Li currently maintains an active performance and teaching career throughout the Greater Cleveland area and welcomes students of all ages and levels who are passionate about developing their artistry through personalized, high-quality violin instruction.
Education
- Cleveland Institute of Music
- Shanghai Conservatory of Music Affiliated High School
Major Teachers
- Ilya Kaler
- Olga Kaler
Professional Experience
- Erie Philharmonic
- Akron Symphony Orchestra
- Canton Symphony Orchestra
- Youngstown Symphony Orchestra
- CityMusic Cleveland
- Buffalo Philharmonic
Teaching
- Young Beginners
- Advancing Students
- Adult Learners
- COYO & Youth Orchestra Auditions
- OMEA All-State Preparation
- Competition & Conservatory Auditions
Teaching Philosophy
A studio built around the individual student.
Music has shaped my life from an early age, and teaching allows me to share that passion with the next generation. I believe every student learns differently, and my goal is to create a supportive environment where each individual develops strong technical skills, artistic confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
Whether preparing for an audition or learning for enjoyment, every lesson is tailored to help the student move forward with clarity, discipline, and encouragement.
Lessons
Thoughtful instruction for every stage of musical growth.
Lessons are shaped around the student's age, experience, goals, and learning style, from the first sound on the violin to serious audition preparation.
Young Beginners
A patient, structured beginning that builds posture, listening, rhythm, and confidence from the first lessons.
Growing Musicians
Steady technical development, school orchestra support, solo repertoire, and practice habits that lead to real progress.
Adult Learners
Thoughtful lessons for adult beginners and returning players who want clarity, musical satisfaction, and sustainable growth.
Advanced & Audition-Focused Students
Focused preparation for youth orchestra auditions, competitions, conservatory applications, and demanding solo repertoire.
Why Study Here
Serious musicianship, taught with warmth and precision.
The studio combines a rigorous technical foundation with musical imagination, helping students become confident, thoughtful players.
Individualized Lesson Plans
Each student receives a path shaped around age, experience, goals, learning style, and long-term musical development.
Professional Orchestra Experience
Instruction is informed by active professional orchestral performance across Northeast Ohio.
Performance-Based Teaching
Students learn technique, musical expression, and stage confidence through a performer's perspective.
Audition and Competition Preparation
Focused preparation is available for youth orchestra auditions, competitions, conservatory applications, and performance goals.
Conservatory Training
A conservatory-trained approach shaped by study at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Shanghai Conservatory affiliated training.
Supportive Partnership
Clear communication with students and families helps practice between lessons feel focused and achievable.
Student Success
Students are guided toward confident, meaningful achievement.
Progress is measured by the student's growing independence, sound, discipline, and expressive confidence.
Youth Orchestra & Conservatory Auditions
Preparation for COYO, regional youth orchestra auditions, conservatory admissions, and long-term musical development.
Technical Excellence & OMEA Preparation
Build strong technique, confident musicianship, and the skills required for OMEA adjudications and advanced repertoire.
Structured Weekly Progress
Clear practice strategies, measurable goals, and consistent musical growth from lesson to lesson.
Competition & Performance Readiness
Develop confidence, artistic expression, and thorough preparation for competitions, recitals, auditions, and public performances.
Lesson Formats
Clear structure, flexible recommendations.
Lessons are offered in 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute formats. The best length depends on the student's age, experience, and goals.
30-minute trial lesson - $40
A thoughtful first meeting to assess level, discuss goals, and recommend a personalized learning plan.
30
Minutes
$45
Practice guide: 20-30 minutes daily
45
Minutes
$65
Practice guide: 30-45 minutes daily
60
Minutes
$90
Practice guide: 45-60 minutes daily
90
Minutes
$135
Practice guide: 60-90+ minutes daily
Tuition is reviewed periodically and may change over time.
Teaching Resources
Lessons draw from a wide range of established violin methods, technical studies, repertoire, and musicianship materials. The exact resources are selected according to each student's age, experience, goals, and learning style.
- Suzuki Method
- Essential Elements
- Wohlfahrt / Sevcik / Schradieck
- Kreutzer
- Scales and arpeggios
- Sight reading and ear training
- Orchestra excerpts
- Audition and competition repertoire
Lesson Options
Studio lessons are available in Cleveland's University Circle area. In-home violin lessons may be available within Greater Cleveland depending on schedule and location. Travel outside the standard service area may include mileage reimbursement.
- Studio lessons in Cleveland / University Circle
- In-home lessons may be available
- Travel available within Greater Cleveland
- Mileage reimbursement may apply for in-home lessons outside the standard service area
- Contact for availability
Student Journey
A clear path forward.
From the first inquiry to regular weekly lessons, the process is designed to be clear, thoughtful, and student-centered.
01
Send a Lesson Inquiry
02
Schedule a Trial Lesson
03
Discuss Goals and Current Level
04
Receive a Personalized Lesson Plan
05
Continue with Weekly Study
Performances
Upcoming public performances.
A selected calendar of upcoming performances throughout Ohio and the surrounding region. Dates and programs are subject to change.
Akron Symphony Orchestra
Mozart's Requiem
- Brouwer — The Art of Sailing at Dawn
- Schoenberg — Transfigured Night
- Mozart — Requiem
Erie Philharmonic
The Four Seasons
- Brouwer — The Art of Sailing at Dawn
- Vivaldi — The Four Seasons
- Ginastera — Variaciones Concertantes
Recent Orchestra Experience
Professional work across the region.
- Erie Philharmonic
- Akron Symphony Orchestra
- Canton Symphony Orchestra
- Youngstown Symphony Orchestra
- CityMusic Cleveland
- Buffalo Philharmonic
Trial Lesson
Begin with a thoughtful first lesson.
The 30-minute trial lesson is an opportunity to discuss musical goals, assess current level, answer questions, and determine whether the studio is the right fit.
$40
30-minute trial lesson
Send a brief lesson inquiry
Receive a response within 24 hours
Schedule a 30-minute trial lesson
Leave with a personalized path forward
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
A few practical details for families, adult learners, and students considering private violin lessons in Cleveland or Greater Cleveland.
Do I need my own violin?
Students should have access to a properly sized violin for regular practice. Guidance can be provided for rentals or purchases if needed.
What ages do you teach?
Lessons are available for young beginners, advancing students, adult learners, and audition-focused musicians.
Can adults start violin lessons?
Yes. Adult beginners and returning players are welcome. Lessons are adapted to the student's goals and pace.
How often should lessons be?
Weekly lessons are recommended for consistent progress.
What happens during a trial lesson?
The trial lesson includes a discussion of goals, current level, lesson format, practice expectations, and a short musical assessment if appropriate.
Do you prepare students for auditions?
Yes. Audition and competition preparation is available for youth orchestra auditions, competitions, conservatory applications, and orchestral excerpts.
Are in-home lessons available?
In-home lessons may be available within Greater Cleveland depending on schedule and location. Mileage reimbursement may apply for travel outside the standard service area.
Can parents observe lessons?
Parents are welcome to observe when appropriate, especially for younger students.
Contact
Ready to begin?
Email or text is preferred. I usually reply within 24 hours to discuss scheduling, lesson details, and whether a trial lesson is the best next step.
Studio Location: University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio
liruoyao1016@gmail.com(646) 683-6351Usually replies within 24 hours.
Begin with a short lesson inquiry.
Send a note with the student's age, experience level, preferred lesson format, availability, and musical goals. Please include any audition preparation, repertoire, or beginner violin lesson goals that would help shape the first conversation.