Cellist, Xiao-Fan Zhang, received his early musical training in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenyang, including his bachelor's degree and advanced studies diploma. He earned a master's degree in music performance from the University of South Carolina, and then moved to Cincinnati to pursue DMA studies at the College-Conservatory of Music (University of Cincinnati). Zhang has also studied at the Aspen Music School and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute.

Zhang is currently a cellist with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra (NSO). Before joining the NSO, he regularly performed with the Columbus Symphony, the Cincinnati Symphony, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Zhang taught at Miami University (Ohio) from 2001-2002.