In August 2025, alumna Ke’er (Coco) Wang ’20E (MM), ’25E (DMA) began a new role as visiting assistant professor of music at Colby College in Waterville, ME. Wang is a highly acclaimed pianist and educator whose performances have captivated audiences across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Born in Mianyang, China, Wang began her musical studies at age five and continued her training through the affiliated schools of the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China. She made her public debut at 16. Since then, she has earned various prizes in competitions around the world. Most recently, in 2024, she received First Prize and the Artist Award at the 10th Global Outstanding Chinese Artists Association International Piano Competition. As part of this honor, Wang appeared as the featured soloist on a nationally presented concert tour across eight major Chinese cities.

Before coming to Rochester, Wang earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina, where she studied with Joseph Rackers ’01E (MM), ’05E (DMA). She completed her master’s degree at Eastman under Marina Lomazov ’93E, ’00E (DMA), then reunited with both Rackers and Lomazov to complete her doctoral studies in Piano Performance and Literature.

Read more about how Wang’s time at the Eastman School of Music shaped her career in this interview conducted by the Institute for Music Leadership:

Tell us about your time at Eastman – what did you study, and what were your favorite parts about your time here?

I majored in Piano Performance and Literature with a minor in Music Theory at Eastman. Two of my favorite aspects of studying there were being surrounded by an inspiring community of musicians who share a deep passion for what we do and learning from dedicated faculty members whose care and support for their students are truly exceptional.

Where are you now, and what inspired you to pursue a faculty position? What are you hoping to achieve in your teaching appointment and your career?

I currently live in Maine, where I serve as a visiting assistant professor of music at Colby College, teaching piano performance. While pursuing my performance career, I was deeply inspired by the faculty at Eastman, whose dedication to teaching motivated me to become an educator myself. I see teaching and performing not as separate paths but as complementary pursuits that enrich one another and add depth to my artistry. I believe music is a form of inheritance—something passed down through generations. I am committed to sharing what I have learned, shaped by my own understanding and experience, with the next generation of musicians. To me, teaching is a meaningful dialogue that connects people across time through sound and expression.

MIANYANG TO MAINE: Wang began her new role as visiting assistant professor of music at Colby College last August.

How did attending a Career Advising appointment help you to navigate the job search process and prepare a successful teaching application?

During my job search, I found Eastman’s Career Advising services incredibly helpful, especially the one-on-one sessions. As an international student, these meetings helped me better understand the U.S. higher education system and its culture while also guiding me in strengthening my application materials and professional skills. I learned so much about the value of networking, attending conferences, and understanding how faculty searches work—insights that truly shaped my approach and helped me prepare a strong teaching application.

How did you engage with the Institute for Music Leadership (IML) while you were here (through courses, advising, guest events, etc.), and how did these resources impact your journey?

During my time at Eastman, I took full advantage of the many opportunities IML offered, from guest lectures to individual advising sessions and career workshops. Each experience helped me grow not only as a performer but also as an educator and professional. The guidance I received from faculty members and career advisors gave me a clearer understanding of how to navigate the academic world, while the guest events and workshops expanded my perspective on teaching, networking, and career development. Altogether, these resources played a major role in shaping the path that led me to my current faculty position.

Do you have any advice for current Eastman students who are entering the job search and applying to teaching positions?

IML is a wonderful resource at any stage of your journey, whether you’re just starting college or preparing to graduate. What they offer goes far beyond job searching. They help you understand your field, plan ahead, and prepare for future goals with care and insight. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and encouragement I received from IML and only wish I had realized the value of their support earlier in my studies. Even if you’re not actively applying for jobs yet, I highly recommend visiting IML. You will gain knowledge and confidence that will stay with you long after you leave Eastman.