Teacher Profile: Ruth Wu

About Ruth Wu

Ruthie Wu is an experienced piano and vocal instructor. With both classical and improvisational training, she brings a wealth of musical knowledge that helps her connect each student with music in their own unique way.

Ruthie grew up in Columbia, MO, and after years of asking, finally convinced her mom to let her start music lessons at age 8. She studied voice and piano under Jill Backus for 10 years and began teaching at 14, leading group music theory classes. Soon after, parents started requesting her for private lessons, and her teaching journey officially began. Ruthie has earned seven trophies from the National Federation of Music Clubs for piano performance and music theory.

She enjoys performing a wide variety of music—classical, folk, and improvisational—and her love of diverse styles has inspired her to write original songs influenced by different cultures. She performs with her band, Redemption Overture, alongside guest collaborators like Dash Reimer and Becky Thomas. While at Wheaton College, Ruthie worked closely with the conservatory and held a solo concert, In Every Season, featuring all-original pieces. She also plays guitar, sings in choirs, plays viola, and dabbles in guzheng, a traditional Chinese plucked zither.

Beyond music, Ruthie is a multimedia storyteller, dancer, actress, and artist. She wrote the play Under the Table, which was staged by Wheaton College and the KC Public Theater, and authored a children’s book, Kitty Learns a New Lesson, published by Duck Duck Books. Her artwork has been displayed in community spaces in both the U.S. and Canada, including the House For All Nations and the Mattie Rhodes Center. In her spare time, you’ll find Ruthie exploring new restaurants with friends, spending time in nature, or caring for her cat.