String Project Instructor, Viola
Zhe Cao, originally from Henan, China, is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in viola performance at The University of Texas at Austin, where he studies with Wilhelm Magner. He earned his Master of Music from the University of Oklahoma where he studied with Mark Neumann.
Zhe began violin studies at the age of four before discovering his passion for the viola. He trained under professors Wang Xiaoling and Long Min at Nanchang University, where he earned his undergraduate degree and gave his graduation recital. Zhe performed with the Nanchang Symphony Orchestra.
An active orchestral and chamber musician, Zhe has served as principal violist of the University of Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra and has participated in international music festivals, most recently Festival del Lago in Mexico. His artistic focus includes exploring both traditional repertoire and contemporary works, particularly transcriptions of violin literature for viola.
Alongside performing, Zhe is deeply committed to music education. He has several years of teaching experience working with students of different ages on both violin and viola. He believes in fostering not only technical skill but also creativity and confidence in each student, helping them discover joy and self-expression through music.
At UT’s String Project, Zhe looks forward to contributing his passion for performance and pedagogy while inspiring the next generation of young musicians.