Strauss has collaborated with a diverse range of world-class artists across classical, world, and cross-cultural musical traditions, including Shmuel Ashkenasi, Midori, Lü Siqing, Kala Ramnath, Li Lin, Brian Lewis, Jon Kimura Parker, Vera Tsu Wei-ling, Qian Zhou, members of the Silkroad Ensemble, and Melody of China. Every season, Strauss regularly appears in leading music festivals and concert series throughout the United States, including Stanford Live, Carnegie Hall Citywide, Caramoor, Krannert Center, Kravis Center, Austin Chamber Music Festival, Kneisel Hall, Heifetz International Music Institute, Silkroad Global Musician Workshop, Juilliard Starling-DeLay Symposium, and more. From 2021 to 2026, Strauss was the violinist and a founding member of the Monterey Piano Trio, alongside cellist Ben Fried and pianist Connie Kim-Sheng. The trio performed throughout the Los Angeles area to critical acclaim, served as an Ensemble-in-Residence at the Heifetz International Music Institute in 2022, and was named a quarterfinalist at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and a semifinalist at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition.

Highly passionate about teaching and pedagogy, Strauss currently serves on the violin faculty at Fried Music in Alhambra, California, where he leads a thriving violin studio, coaches chamber music and orchestral sectionals, directs the Prep Orchestra and Violin Ensemble within its rigorous Pre-College Program, and mentors a warm, high-achieving community of young musicians. Beyond the studio, Strauss regularly leads masterclasses, workshops, and community engagement initiatives across the United States, Mexico, and China. Drawing deeply from his own musical upbringing, extensive performance experience, and the influence of distinguished teachers and mentors throughout his training, Strauss strives to cultivate curiosity, thoughtfulness, and artistic independence in each student.

Before delving into the world of violin, Strauss’s early years were marked by a dedicated exploration of Chinese instruments. His musical journey began with the erhu and gaohu, showcasing his talent within his renowned family ensemble, the Melody of China. Strauss continues to captivate audiences with the Melody of China at prominent venues and festivals, including the Disney California Adventure Lunar New Year, Montana Folk Festival, S.F. International Arts Festival, The Juilliard School, Davies Symphony Hall, and San Francisco Herbst Theatre where he made his erhu debut at age 8. With deep roots in traditional Chinese music and as a classically-trained violinist, Strauss is establishing himself as a young cultural ambassador and multi-instrumental artist who bridges both musical traditions on international stages.

Born in Nanjing, China and raised in San Francisco, Strauss studied with Zuohan Pan, Elizabeth Liang, and Chen Zhao. He earned his Bachelor’s degree on full scholarship at The Juilliard School studying with Catherine Cho, and completed his Master’s degree as a Starling Fellow at the USC Thornton School of Music under Midori Goto and Pamela Frank. Strauss performs on a Georges Chanot violin (c. 1845) and modern bows by John Greenwood and Ulf Johansson.