Li-Kuo Chang, born in Shanghai, China, on January 25, 1949, began his studies at the Shanghai Conservatory in piano and violin. In 1978, his playing gained him the first prize in the Chinese Young Artist Competition. He traveled to the U.S. in 1979 to study at Eastman School of Music in New York where he was awarded a full-tuition scholarship. He also received a young artist fellowship to study at California's Music Academy of the West. Li-Kuo has studied with renowned teachers such as Francis Tursi, Paul Doktor, Donald McInnes, William Magers, Milton Thomas, and has also played in master classes led by William Primrose.