Xiao'an writes narratively compelling music for media with a whimsically imaginative spirit. The emotional nuance in his work is built on thousands of hours spent in quiet observation of human nature, and his tactile craftsmanship borne out of a refusal to relinquish the joy of working with his hands.

He is no stranger to commercial work, having served video game developers and billion dollar brands alike. He creates original music for licensing on mainstream networks, scores to picture, and arranges for pop artists and producers.

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He maintains an independent practice for private concert commissions, and is an assistant professor at Berklee College of Music, where he serves his students as a guide in their journeys and, occasionally, creative therapist.

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From 2014-2019, he founded and ran East Coast Scoring, an orchestra-for-hire service in Boston, serving Pulitzer-winning clients, renowned conductors, film composers, and pop producers. In 2024, he was invited to be a judge at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, a global advertising show.