Zhu Yafen: The elegance of piano education

Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang (right) was one of Zhu Yafen's students. [Photo/China Today]

Q: With regard to music education, you put forward the viewpoint of "music talent education and general music education." Could you elaborate?

Zhu Yafen: One important goal of fostering piano talents is to cultivate more globally influential and outstanding pianists. And China has much experience in this field.

At present, China's conservatory system consists of college and affiliated middle and primary schools, offering competent students a strict and systematic education from the beginning. Many of our youth pianists are internationally recognized. Nevertheless, we could do better in this aspect. We should change our competition-oriented attitude to one of comprehensive knowledge, and explore cultural accomplishments to help more pianists become musicians and artists with international influence.

Accordingly, we need more dedicated piano teachers, musicians and educators. We also need more dedication from "back-stage" workers, regarding talent cultivation as an important part of culture and art.

In my opinion, general piano education is the social base to cultivate talents. China has some 50 million children learning the piano; only a precious few will become professionals, and most will become talents in other fields. However, piano education can nourish their growth. In addition to modern advanced specialized knowledge, a musical upbringing can help them become creative people in all walks of life.

Q:People say that giftedness is needed to study the arts, what do you think of this?

Zhu Yafen: I agree that to learn a creative skill, especially music, requires giftedness; however, it is not the only element.

An excellent pianist indeed needs to be gifted – inspiration, an artistic imagination, personality and musicality. Some talented people are more rational. They have a wealth of music knowledge, but they might lack strong interpersonal skills. These people are well suited to music theory education.

Besides, giftedness is in some sense relative. People without inherent talent can still realize impressive achievements through cultivation and practice.