Chi-Li Yen was Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Chi-Li began her viola studies at the age of 7. As a recipient of the Alumni scholarship, she received her Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School, where she studied with Karen Tuttle, Kim Kashkashian and Carol Rodland. She received her Master's degree from Temple University (on a full scholarship) where she studied with Choong-Jin Chang, Principal Violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Chi-Li has played with The Juilliard Orchestra, performed chamber music in Carnegie Hall, and served as Principal Viola with the Temple Symphony Orchestra. She has also worked with Pamela Frank and the Emerson String Quartet in masterclasses.