The musical relationship between guitarists Erdong Li and Andrew Zohn began in 2013 as student and teacher. Li left his native China to pursue graduate studies under Zohn’s direction at the Schwob School of Music (Columbus State University). Upon Li’s joining the faculty of the Schwob School in 2018, the two have toured extensively throughout the United States and China including performances in such major events as Guangzhou and Liaoning International Guitar Festivals, Solstice Guitar Symposium (Connecticut), and the ECU Summer Guitar Workshop (North Carolina).
Andrew Zohn has enjoyed a decades-long career as a performer, composer, and much sought-after teacher. He has performed concerts on five continents including venues in China, Malaysia, Egypt, Argentina, as well as throughout North America and Europe. Students of Andrew Zohn have won prizes in over 100 international competitions and have been featured on National Public Radio. Original compositions and transcriptions by Andrew Zohn are published through Les Productions d’Oz, Canada, Tuscany publications (Theodore Presser), and FJH Publications. His recordings for Clear Note and Centaur Records have received wide acclaim from American Record Guide, Classical Guitar Magazine, GuitArt Magazine, Soundboard, Guitarra Magazine, and Rosewood Review. Zohn’s latest solo recording Eterna Saudade was released in 2019 through Contrastes Records (Spain).
Erdong Li has performed on the guitar throughout China and the United States, with the mission of promoting cultural exchange through musical celebration. Currently serving on the faculty of the Schwob School of Music (Columbus State University), Li also is vice-chairman of the Wenzhou Guitar Association (China) and tours throughout China annually as a part of W.E. Duo with violinist Weiru Sheng. Li received his Master’s Degree at the Schwob School of Music and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in classical guitar performance from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. During his time in Beijing, he was also actively performing on electric guitar in a rock band throughout the region. This rich combination of influences from two cultures results in a truly special approach to music, one which includes a variety of styles ranging from acoustic folk to electric guitar, and which allows students to develop brilliant sound, solid musical skills, and abundant creativity.