Yizhe (John) Jiang is a distinguished jazz percussionist, visual artist, and cross-disciplinary media creator. Rooted in the improvisational spirit of jazz, his art transcends traditional boundaries—whether he is conversing with the world through rhythm and drums, or exploring visual narratives through analog film. For John, art is the vital bridge that translates internal chaos into collective rhythm and fosters profound empathy across different souls.

Academic Excellence & Musical Pedigree John’s musical journey began with exceptional early momentum; at just 18 years old, he made his symphonic debut as principal percussionist at the Golden Hall of Vienna. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory under a Dean’s Talent Scholarship. And Master of Music in Jazz Performance at the world-renowned New England Conservatory (NEC) on a Full Scholarship

Throughout his academic and professional career, John has been mentored by jazz legends, studying under luminaries such as Billy Hart, Jason Moran, and Cecil McBee. Notably, he serves as the Teaching Assistant and Studio Coordinator for 85-year-old NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart, managing complex pedagogical, logistical, and live-performance operations—a role that speaks volumes about his profound reliability and artistic maturity.

His performance footprint spans world-class venues, including Jordan Hall (Boston), Blue Note Shanghai, and Jazz At Lincoln Center Shanghai. He has shared the stage and collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as Sullivan Fortner, Louis Perdomo, Camila Meza, and Tyreek McDole.

Cross-Disciplinary Stage & Visual Storytelling Beyond pure jazz performance, John possesses exceptional cross-media creative capabilities. In the theatrical space, he was the drummer for the official Chinese production of the Off-Broadway musical Tick, Tick... Boom!, and served as the co-initiator, Music Director, and actor for the original jazz stage play Another World. As a digital creator with over a decade of experience, he independently runs a highly influential Bilibili channel (@敲敲打打的山顶洞人) and is a frequent guest performer at major live events like BilibiliWorld and large-scale gaming music festivals.

As a visual artist, mentored by internationally acclaimed art photographer Pipo Nguyen-duy, John specializes in 35mm, medium, and large format film photography, alongside comprehensive traditional darkroom printing techniques. His long-term visual project, Jazz Photography, is a deep dive into the jazz community, capturing the unscripted moments and quiet vulnerabilities of musicians from both an audio and visual perspective. In his wedding and event portraiture, he applies his musical intuition to anticipate the beat, capturing the raw, unscripted emotions of a celebration. Furthermore, his commercial visual expertise is highlighted by his creative direction and videography for artists under the Sony Music Label (such as Theo Crocker).

Humanistic Advocacy & Social Responsibility Beyond his artistic achievements, John is a dedicated neurodiversity advocate. Having grown up navigating undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia, he possesses a profound understanding of the struggles neurodivergent individuals face within traditional systems. Since 2016, he has actively mentored neurodivergent teenagers who have been marginalized by standard educational frameworks. Utilizing art and musical improvisation, he helps them channel sensory overload into focused, creative energy. He frequently lectures to parents and educators, striving to bridge the "empathy gap." Further demonstrating his deep commitment to human health and safety, he is also a certified American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver Instructor—having been the youngest instructor in China at the time of his certification.

Whether he is anchoring the rhythm behind a drum kit, developing memories in a darkroom, or amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, John Jiang refuses to be confined by a single label. As a boundless creator, he continuously explores the infinite possibilities at the intersection of sound, vision, and human emotion.