Xuesi Xu

Xu is a media and concert composer based in Los Angeles. He holds a Doctor of Music degree in Composition from Florida State University, as well as degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (M.M.) and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (B.M.). He also earned a professional M.A. in Media Composition from ThinkSpace Education, where he studied with industry veteran Kevin Manthai, and pursued additional studies with two-time Emmy Award–winning composer Hummie Mann.

He writes music to challenge the traditional exotic stereotypes associated with Eastern music. His music has been performed by leading orchestras such as the Albany Symphony Orchestra, RIT Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra, Shanghai Opera House Orchestra, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, North/South Consonance Chamber Orchestra, and ensembles such as Slee Sinfonietta, Divergent Quintet, Arditti Quartet, icarus Quartet, and Kamratōn ensemble. He formerly taught electronic music and aural skills at Black Hawk College.

His recent score for the short film All Consuming won Best Original Score at the 2024 48 Hour Horror Film Project – Seattle, and he received a Best Music Nomination for Ostrich at the 2025 48 Hour Film Project – Seattle.