Jia Shi, pianist, embarked on a teaching career in the Boston region and was born into a musical family in Guangzhou, China. Strongly influenced by her grandfather, Mingxin Shi, a renowned conductor, her talent was evident at an early age. She received her initial piano instruction from her grandfather, laying the foundation for her success.
Ms. Shi’s many competition awards include the Sendai Piano Competition in Japan, the Kaiserburg Competition in China, the Horowitz Piano Competition in Kiev, Ukraine, and in 2005, First Prize and Best Performance at the National Haiziman Piano Competition in China. She received scholarships for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing under the guidance of the world-renowned professor Zhihong Guo. She furthered her studies with international soloist Alexander Korsantia at the New England Conservatory, where she earned a second Master’s Degree in Piano Performance. During her time at NEC, Ms. Shi also taught non-piano graduate students.
Ms. Shi has performed across the United States, Europe, and China, with highlights including Jordan Hall, Tanglewood Music Theater in Boston; Steinway Hall in New York; Basilica di San Pietro and Sala Dei Notari in Perugia, Italy; Centro Municipal Integrado de Pumarín Gijón Sur in Spain; Paderewski Music Hall, Poland; and Beijing Concert Hall and Xinghai Concert Hall in China. 
In addition to performing, Ms. Shi is passionate about teaching students of all ages and levels, many of whom have gone on to study at leading music conservatories. Her students have received top prizes in prestigious international competitions and have been invited to perform in some of the world’s most renowned concert halls. Her students have also attracted the attention and admiration of legendary pianist Martha Argerich.
Ms. Shi is the Founder and Artistic Director of the New England Music Festival in Boston and has successfully organized international piano programs with Boston University at Tanglewood in 2016. She serves as the Chairperson of the Music Teachers National Association (Massachusetts), Co-chair of the Hamlet Davidson Piano Competition. In 2018, Ms. Shi was invited to join the Artist Faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory Music Piano Festival. In June 2025, Ms. Shi was inducted into the Steinway Hall of Fame, an honor awarded to exceptional educators who have made a lasting impact on music education and inspired generations of young musicians.
Ms. Shi also integrates her passion for collaboration by participating in the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and adjudicating prestigious piano competitions in the U.S., Europe, and China.
