michelle xu
About Me
Michelle Xu is a cello instructor and freelance cellist based in Dallas-Fort Worth. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Michelle’s commitment to the cello has been evident since a young age. Since high school, she has performed and competed in summer programs, competitions, and orchestral performances across the country in Austin, Washington DC, Tennessee, and more. She began her collegiate studies at Sam Houston State University under Daniel Saenz, later graduating Magna Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she studied under Craig Leffer, cellist of the Dallas Opera. During her bachelor's, she student taught under Suzuki bass teacher trainer Dr. Kate Jones in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD’s Suzuki in the schools program, where she taught Suzuki private lessons and group classes to a program of 70+ students. Michelle continues to pursue training and development in the Suzuki method, under cello teacher trainer Dr. Shu-Yi Scott.
Teaching
Michelle currently teaches out of her private studio in Plano, Texas. Beyond her own studio, she has taught sectionals and private lessons in Prosper ISD, Mansfield ISD, Cedar Hill ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Frisco ISD, Wylie ISD, and Richardson ISD. Michelle’s passion lies in helping anyone, at any age or walk of life, find their unique voice through the cello. She emphasizes the individuality of each student to create a unique approach that develops versatile cellists, expressive musicians, and joyful individuals. Powered by her belief that music can be accessible for anyone, Michelle brings a wealth of diverse teaching perspectives. From 2023-2025, she served as the inaugural president of the University of Texas at Arlington's American String Teachers Association Chapter, where she spearheaded opportunities for community outreach with local Title I school orchestra programs. Her research on music pedagogy and underserved populations was awarded the Texas Music Educators Association College Essay Contest Undergraduate award in 2024. In addition to her Music Education major, Michelle holds a minor in Social Work, and is skilled in working with neurodivergent students and students with learning disabilities.
Performing
As a performer, Michelle is passionate about experimenting with the role of cello in a variety of genres, classical and beyond. As a classical cellist, she has extensive performance experience in orchestral, chamber music, and solo settings. Throughout these performance experiences, Michelle has presented performances on a variety of repertoire, from baroque to avant garde 21st century pieces. She also regularly performs as a gigging cellist throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in weddings and events. Additionally, Michelle enjoys exploring cello in contemporary genres, utilizing electronic equipment and improvisation to push the boundaries of the traditional role of cello.
Whether through her continued training and development as a cello teacher and cellist, or her commitment to furthering her connection with her community, Michelle believes that learning is a life long process. She is constantly inspired by her students, colleagues, and community to grow as a cellist, educator, and human. Beyond the cello, Michelle enjoys thrift shopping, collecting antiques, and attending live music shows.
