Zhu Lin started studying erhu at the age of five under Xu Bugao of the Nanjing School of Performing Arts. In 1981, he gained entry into the affiliated school of Beijing China Conservatory of Music where he studied under renowned musicians like Li Dazhong, Nie Jingyu and Liu Changfu. Subsequently, Zhu Lin entered the China Conservatory of Music, furthering his music studies with An Ruli and simultaneously studied Cantonese music with Liu Mingyuan.

In 1990, Zhu Lin held his debut solo performance at the Beijing Concert Hall. The performance was recorded and broadcasted over the China Central Television network. In 1991, he joined the China Central Chinese Orchestra and served as the Orchestra’s Deputy Concertmaster. Zhu Lin went on to receive top honours at the National Competition and International Competition in 1993 and 1995 respectively. In 1997, Zhu Lin joined the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and currently serves as an erhu II Principal. He has released many solo recordings and has also given premiere performances of many erhu pieces. In 2006, Zhu Lin premiered L. Subramaniam’s Double Concerto for Erhu and Violin alongside the India’s renowned “Father of Violin” – L. Subramaniam himself. He has also been invited to give talks at the National Taiwan University of Arts, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, China Conservatory of Music. Zhu Lin is currently the guest professor of the China Conservatory of Music.