A man of immeasurable talent

On Oct 30, the concert hall at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing resonated with the rich sound of stringed instruments as audiences gathered to honor Lin Yaoji (1937-2009), one of China's most revered music educators. This two-day event was more than just a concert — it was a celebration of a legacy that shaped generations of violinists and revolutionized violin education in China.

Lin, a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music for nearly four decades, was renowned for blending Eastern and Western philosophies with the principles of kinesiology. His influence is immeasurable, with many of his students winning prestigious international awards and elevating the global recognition of Chinese violin performers.

The concert opened with a deeply symbolic performance by the Amber Quartet, who performed Enchanted, a piece adapted from Lin's granddaughter, Grammy Award-winner Laufey. This performance marked a poignant passing of the torch, as the graceful melodies bridged Lin's teachings with Laufey's artistic journey.

The evening culminated in a powerful ensemble performance of Footprints, composed and arranged by Lin's former students and current faculty members. This six-piece arrangement, performed by 48 musicians, honored Lin's tireless dedication to both his art and his students.

"Professor Lin taught us not just how to play the violin but how to feel the music with every fiber of our being," says acclaimed violinist Xie Nan, one of the students who studied with Lin the longest.

Xie, who learned from Lin for over 15 years, now serves as a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music and is the associate chair of the orchestra department at the university. "He always said, 'A violinist must speak through their instrument, not just play'. Those words have guided me throughout my career."

Xie's musical journey began at age 4 and led her to Lin at age 11.

"Lin's impact on my life goes beyond technique. Without his encouragement, I wouldn't have come to Beijing to study at the Central Conservatory of Music," she says. "He opened my eyes to the spiritual connection between music and the soul. His lessons weren't just about playing; they were about becoming one with the music and understanding its essence."

During the concert, Xie performed with one of her students, Wang Yaozhang, a sophomore at the conservatory, playing Five Pieces for Two Violins and Piano by Dmitri Shostakovich.

Wang expresses deep admiration for Lin's teachings. "Though I never met Professor Lin, my teacher shares so many stories about him," says Wang. "I want to play the violin in a way that makes every note meaningful, just as he taught."

Renowned violinist Chen Xi, another of Lin's former students, performed Love's Sorrow and Love's Joy by Fritz Kreisler. Chen, who studied with Lin from 1999 to 2004, remembers his teacher's transformative influence.

"When I first came to his class, I was eager to learn, but it was Professor Lin who taught me patience," says Chen. "His approach wasn't about quick fixes, but about deep, steady understanding. He laid the foundation for everything I know today."

Chen's breakthrough came at age 17 when he won second place at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2002.

"Before the final round, I was nervous and called Professor Lin. He told me, 'These judges are cute little monsters, so just play for them like you would for any other audience'. His humor calmed me," recalls Chen.