Jocelyn zhu, violin

Prior to completing her master’s degree at The Juilliard School in 2017 with high distinction, Jocelyn Zhu earned her undergraduate degree in violin performance and pre-medical studies from Belhaven University at 14 years old. Two years later, she made her Carnegie Hall debut and has since established herself as a consummate performer, educator, and advocate for the transformative power of music.

Passionate about bridging the fine arts and social equity, Jocelyn co-founded Concerts for Compassion in 2018 – a nonprofit committed to bringing music and education to displaced communities and refugees across the globe. Partnering with the United Nations, the Red Cross, and corporate sponsors like Steinway & Sons, CFC has impacted over 1,000 students across more than 30 countries and raised over $100,000 to support its dynamic programming. In recognition of this work, Jocelyn was invited as both an alumni speaker and guest lecturer for the Chamber Music and Community Engagement course at The Juilliard School.

As an educator, Jocelyn maintains a vibrant studio of over 30 students, many of whom have earned placements at prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School, Harvard, Columbia, NEC, and the Manhattan School of Music. She has also served in various mentorship roles for programs like The Perlman Music Program and the Midori & Friends Foundation. 

Notable solo appearances include collaborations with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and Memphis Symphony Orchestra, as well as featured performances at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and National Sawdust. Her chamber music highlights include appearances with the Chelsea Music Festival, New York Classical Players, Southeastern Young Artists, and The Perlman Music Program.

Jocelyn has also contributed her talents to the film world, performing the soundtrack for the short film Wandered Off (2018) and recording the award-winning soundtrack for Flora (2017), which went on to receive 12 awards and 10 nominations.

Beyond classical stages, Jocelyn has performed with celebrated popular artists such as B.B. King, Ben Platt, and Kelly Clarkson, and founded The Melita Ensemble, which presented innovative chamber music programs in New York City.

She has garnered top awards including The Juilliard School Career Grant, the Tarisio Trust Young Artists Grant, and the McGraw-Hill Robert Sherman Award. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, PBS, The Savvy Musician 2.0, and WQXR’s Young Artist Showcase. When Jocelyn is not busy teaching or practicing, she is reading multiple books weekly, scouting out new hot pot restaurants, and training for her first New York marathon this upcoming year.