Professor of Trombone and Tuba, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao
Renowned Trombonist
Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, and Director of the Department of Orchestral Instruments, Central Conservatory of Music
Vice Chairman, Low Brass Committee, Chinese Musicians Association Wind Music Society
Liu Yang commenced his trombone studies in 1991 under Professor Li Fu and was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music in 1997, where he studied under Professor Zhao Ruilin. In 2000, he was accepted into the Saarbrücken Conservatory in Germany to study under Henning Wiegräbe, earning his master's degree in 2004 and the highest postgraduate instrumental degree in 2006.
During his time in Germany, Liu Yang held the position of guest principal trombonist with the National Youth Orchestra of Germany, the Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Mannheim Chamber Orchestra. In 2005, he became the associate principal trombonist with the German State Philharmonic of Rhineland-Palatinate, marking him as the first Chinese trombonist to secure a permanent position in a European A-level orchestra. He returned to China in 2006 to teach at the Central Conservatory of Music and also served as guest principal trombonist with the China National Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Liu Yang represents Antoine Courtois Paris Trombones and is a Jinbao Musical Instrument artist.
In his publishing and recording career, Liu Yang co-edited "Trombone Orchestral Excerpt Collection" with Professor Zhao Ruilin in 2008 and authored "Learn Trombone with a Master" and "Trombone Quartet Collection" in 2012, releasing China's first solo trombone CD, "The Trend of Trombone." In 2015, he published "Trombone Duets and Trios Collection" and collaborated with nearly 30 professional trombonists nationwide for recordings. In 2018, he produced "The Trombone World of China," the first Chinese album focused on trombone ensemble music.
In 2013, Liu Yang was the only trombone representative at the "Glorious Blooming - China's Top Ten Wind Musicians Concert" hosted by CCTV. In April 2019, he served as a judge at the 4th International Soloists Competition in Grenchen, Switzerland, becoming the first Chinese national to judge a global trombone competition. He also served as a judge at the 24th Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival in August 2019.
As a solo trombone artist, Liu Yang has showcased his talents with a multitude of orchestras both in China and internationally. His performances include collaborations with the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Tianjin Opera House, Inner Mongolia Symphony Orchestra, Henan Symphony Orchestra, Hunan Symphony Orchestra, Chengdu Symphony Orchestra, Baotou Symphony Orchestra, Qingdao Symphony Orchestra, Qingdao Opera House Orchestra, Harbin Symphony Orchestra, China Youth Symphony Orchestra, South Carolina State Symphony Orchestra, and the Kansas Wind Orchestra.
In his educational endeavors, Liu Yang has achieved remarkable success, earning the Beijing Youth Distinguished Teacher Award. His students have thrived under his mentorship, securing top positions in prominent competitions, including second place at the Jeju International Brass Competition in 2019, joint first place at the 2020 ITA (International Trombone Association) Competition—the first time a Chinese trombonist has achieved this—and first place in Asia's highest prize competition in 2021. His guidance has also helped many students gain positions in prestigious orchestras worldwide.
As a recognized brass educator, Liu Yang is frequently invited to conduct master classes at leading music institutions across the globe. His teaching engagements include the University of South Carolina School of Music, State University of Music and the Performing Arts Stuttgart, University of Kansas School of Music, Royal Danish Academy of Music, Yonsei University School of Music in Seoul, Central Conservatory of Music, Xinghai Conservatory of Music, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, Shenzhen Arts School, Nanjing Arts School, and Sichuan Conservatory of Music. His extensive involvement in music education has significantly contributed to the development of new generations of musicians.