Award-Winning Saxophonist, Educator & Music Arranger

Chen Wang Sax Studio

Blending classical and contemporary music across concert stages worldwide.

Chen Wang performing saxophone on stage with a choir Chen Wang performing saxophone Chen Wang performing with a wind ensemble

About

Chen Wang, hailing from Beijing, China, is celebrated for his evocative integration of classical and contemporary music. His performances have enchanted audiences throughout Europe and China, showcasing his broad artistic range and profound musicality. Chen has held principal roles in several prestigious ensembles, including the Seattle Wind Symphony, Patterns Saxophone Ensemble, and the University of Washington Wind Ensemble, and co-founded the CNU Alumni Wind Orchestra.

Internationally recognized, Chen has garnered numerous awards in band ensemble, solo, and chamber music competitions — including first place at the Ostrava Wind Music Competition in the Czech Republic and at the 3rd Beijing International Wind Music Festival. He also won the professional performer category at the American Protégé Music Competition, earning an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall, and received the Top Honor Award at My Music Festival in Germany.

In addition to performing, Chen is a dedicated educator, teaching saxophone performance, chamber music, and music theory at Capital Normal University, where his students have consistently succeeded in local competitions. His research on the educational functions of wind bands has also won top honors in The Chinese Society of Education Research paper competitions.

Chen is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Washington. In 2008, he volunteered music therapy and saxophone lessons for children affected by the Wenchuan earthquake.

  • Capital Normal University — B.M. in Music
  • Capital Normal University — B.S. in Geology
  • Capital Normal University — M.Ed. in Music Education
  • University of Washington — M.M. in Saxophone Performance
  • University of Washington — D.M.A. in Saxophone Performance (Candidate)

🏆 Judging Experience

  • WMEA All-State Judge
  • Washington State Solo & Ensemble — Saxophone Judge
  • Seattle World Harmonies International Music Competition — Wind Division Judge
  • Chinese-American saxophone judge on the Washington State All-State judging panel
  • 2025–26 World Harmonies Wind Division judge, alongside Arizona State University flute professor Elizabeth Buck

All-State is an official program of the Washington State Board of Education.

Awards & Honors

1st Ostrava Wind Music Competition Czech Republic
1st Beijing International Wind Music Festival 3rd Edition — Gold Award
1st American Protégé Music Competition Professional Performer Category

Recent Arrangement

A music arranger is a creative professional who adapts existing music compositions for different uses, such as live performances or studio recordings. Chen Wang is particularly skilled in arranging for wind ensembles and saxophone ensembles, and his works have been performed both domestically and internationally.

The Planets, Op. 32

Gustav Holst — Recent Arrangement

Recordings

Selected live performances, available on SoundCloud.

Chinese Rhapsody No. 3

with Kay Yeh — 3rd D.M.A. Recital

Composed by An-lun Huang in 1988, this piece is a significant work in the saxophone repertoire. Written in Toronto and dedicated to Canadian saxophonist Paul Brodie, it draws on the "Saibei Folk Style" across five continuous movements for alto and soprano saxophone. Live recording by Dr. Yunze Mu at the University of Washington School of Music.

Vocalise

2022 — Chen Wang and Kay (Live)

Rachmaninoff's Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14, is sung on a single vowel rather than words, letting the melody carry its emotion unaided. Live recording by Dr. Yunze Mu at the University of Washington School of Music.

Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra

Henri Tomasi — with Tong Liu, piano

Composed in 1949, Tomasi's concerto is a cornerstone of the saxophone repertoire, blending traditional French style with modernist color. Live recording made at home with Dr. Tong Liu during the 2020 COVID period.

Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano

Pierre-Max Dubois — with Harriet Wong, piano

Pierre-Max Dubois (1930–1995) was a French composer whose works are staples of the modern saxophone repertoire. Recorded at home with Dr. Harriet Wong.

Studio Policy

Chen Wang Sax Studio offers one complimentary 30-minute trial lesson, followed by recurring 45-minute private lessons billed in prepaid four-lesson cycles ($100 per lesson, cash only). Cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice by email; lessons cancelled with less notice (other than same-day illness) are treated as used and are non-refundable. The full policy also covers refunds, studio holidays, parent–teacher communication, and supervision for minor students.

View Entire Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chen Wang Sax Studio offer a free trial lesson?

Yes. New students receive one complimentary 30-minute trial lesson before starting regular 45-minute private lessons.

Where are lessons held?

Lessons are taught in person in the Bothell, WA area. Students from across the Pacific Northwest are welcome.

How much do saxophone lessons cost?

Private lessons are $100 per 45-minute session, billed in prepaid four-lesson cycles (cash only).

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations or reschedules require at least 24 hours' notice by email. Lessons cancelled with less notice (other than same-day illness) are treated as used and non-refundable. See the full Studio Policy.

What ages and skill levels does Chen Wang teach?

Students of all ages and skill levels are welcome, from complete beginners to advanced players preparing for auditions and competitions.

What are Chen Wang's qualifications?

Chen Wang is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at the University of Washington, holds a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance (UW) and a Master of Education in Music Education (Capital Normal University), and has held principal chair positions in the Seattle Wind Symphony and University of Washington Wind Ensemble.

Does Chen Wang judge music competitions?

Yes. Chen serves as a judge for the WMEA All-State auditions, Washington State Solo & Ensemble, and the Seattle World Harmonies International Music Competition.

Schedule a Trial Lesson

Interested in booking a performance or starting saxophone lessons? Submit a request below and Chen will get back to you soon.