Since 2001, collaborative pianist Lydia Qiu (Chinese name 邱怡) has worked for the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, serving as a vocal coach, staff accompanist, and the coordinator of accompanying services, overseeing the accompanying needs for all vocal, wind, and string studios, classes, and choral ensembles.

Born into a music family in Chengdu, China, Lydia started piano lessons at age five. After graduating from the music high school in her hometown, Lydia worked as a vocal coach and accompanist for ten years at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. She came to the United States in 1996 and received degrees from Capital University, the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Michigan, where she studied with the distinguished collaborative pianist and vocal coach Martin Katz. Post graduation, Lydia participated in summer programs with master teachers, including John Wustman, Rudolf Jansen, Helmut Deutsch, and Elly Ameling.  Lydia has performed throughout Europe and the United States, receiving rave reviews and praise from her audiences for her artistry and musicality.

Despite relocating to Michigan, Lydia has remained committed to working in China.  In recent years, Lydia has been invited to teach at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing,  the China Conservatory in Beijing, Shanghai Conservatory, Tianjin Conservatory, Shandong Normal University, and Sichuan Conservatory in Chengdu.  During her annual visits, Lydia has taught master classes to both voice and accompanying students, given lectures on vocal literature to voice teachers, taught diction classes, and performed in recitals with her students.

 Lydia Qiu resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan with her husband Feng Jiang, a talented violin maker, and their daughter Anda.