Ziwei Cen

Director of Musical Arts, Vocal Performance

Chinese soprano Ziwei Cen is an active vocal performer, educator and researcher. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Alabama, where she has served as a teaching assistant, providing voice lessons to music and non-music majors with varying levels of singing experience. Ziwei holds a Master of Music from California State University, Northridge and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Xiamen University, China. Her rigorous training includes studies in voice, piano, conducting, and the pedagogical methodologies of Kodály, Dalcroze, and Orff.

As a performer, Ziwei has successfully portrayed a number of opera roles, including Donna Anna in Don Giovanni and Nella in Gianni Schicchi, Casilda in The Gondoliers, and Suzanne in Thérèse Raquin (First prize in 2023 NOA opera production competition). She has presented several recitals in Alabama, Los Angeles, and China, along with numerous concerts and ensemble performances.

​Ziwei is passionate about promoting works by female composers and introducing Chinese culture and repertoire to a wider audience. Her interest in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) extends beyond personal fascination to practical application in music teaching. She believes that since music classes involve extensive personal interaction, an individual’s personality profoundly shapes their learning experience and satisfaction. Ziwei considers MBTI a valuable tool for creating diverse and inclusive learning environments, assisting students in understanding their strengths, and realizing their potential. She has presented her research at the University of Alabama and the National Opera Association conference. She is currently planning future research and recitals/lecture-recitals in these fields.