Shuyao “Charlotte” Wang (b. 2000) is a conductor whose work spans orchestral and choral repertoire, shaped by a strong background in both instrumental and vocal music. She approaches conducting as a practice of listening, clarity, and collaboration, drawing on her experience as a composer, soprano, collaborative pianist, as well as her orchestral experience as a percussionist and violist.

In Fall 2025, Charlotte began a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan, studying conducting with the acclaimed Dr. Eugene Rogers. She co-conducted the SMTD Orpheus Singers and assisted Voices Valiant, a local senior choir. Off the podium, she continued her passion for musical collaboration while furthering her study in voice with distinguished tenor Stanford Olsen and collaborative piano with Dr. Ana María Otamendi, a leading figure in the field. Besides professional and conservatory gigs, Charlotte also collaborates with musicians at different levels; these experiences continue to shape her understanding of the conductor as both a musical leader and a human connector within an ensemble.

Charlotte graduated summa cum laude from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Mathematics, and English. During her time at Amherst, she served as Assistant Conductor of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra and Amherst Choral Society, studying orchestral conducting with Mark Swanson, choral conducting with Arianne Abela, and composition with Eric Sawyer. Her honors thesis in music culminated in the composition and performance of her choral-orchestral work, Requiem: Ceaseless Life. Upon graduation, she was awarded The Eric Edward Sundquist Prize in Music. Following graduation, she remained at Amherst as a Graduate Associate of Music, continuing to assist in rehearsals and performances, conduct sectionals and smaller ensembles, and support music theory instruction. After she left Amherst, she was later awarded the Edward Poole Lay ’22 Fellowship for two consecutive years in support of her graduate study in music.

Her conducting training includes participation in professional institutes, festivals, and masterclasses, where she has worked with conductors such as Neil Varon, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Donald Schleicher, Farkhad Khudyev, Jonathan Girard, David Jacobs, Jerry Blackstone, William Weinert, Jeffery Douma, Deanna Joseph, and Daniel Bara. She has conducted and assisted in a wide range of symphonic and choral repertoire and continues to develop a clear, efficient physical technique and a thoughtful rehearsal process, in addition to her passion for and understanding of music.