Xinyu (Maggie) Francis-Ma
Bio:Xinyu Francis-Ma (Maggie) began studying violin at age seven. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts in Beijing, China, where she studied composition, with a focus on the Beijing and local operas. She holds a Master in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Mrs. Francis-Ma has taught string orchestra in elementary and middle schools in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nanjing, China. She is active as an educator helping Chinese students learn western music and bringing Chinese music to America. Mrs. Francis-Ma is currently working on a series of Chinese folk songs for string orchestra. Her goal is to act as a messenger in the culture exchange between China and America.