A different tune for the future of music

Learning Mandarin, adapting to different ways of thinking and understanding the distinct working cultures of Chinese and American orchestras are all part of the experience. Rather than being obstacles to avoid, these differences can help musicians broaden their perspectives.

He Wei, CEO and artistic director of Tianjin Juilliard and the school's first dean, shares the belief that musical training should prepare students for more than technical mastery.

He points to the NextGen Symphony, an international ensemble formed for last year's leadership forum, as an example. Bringing together young musicians from leading conservatories and music schools across Asia, Europe, and North America, the ensemble had just five days to prepare a demanding program for two concerts in Tianjin and Beijing.

The project demonstrated the possibilities of intensive collaboration among young musicians from different backgrounds, turning cultural exchange into a shared artistic experience.

At Tianjin Juilliard, the graduate program offers specializations in orchestral studies, chamber music studies, collaborative piano and composition. Students learn to listen and work across disciplines, developing skills essential to professional life.

The results are reflected in their careers. Since the school began operating in 2020, its graduate program has produced 185 master's graduates across five cohorts, nearly 40 percent of whom have joined professional orchestras in China and abroad.

Among them is Chen Tongxin, a 2024 graduate who is now the principal harpist of the China National Symphony Orchestra. At the book launch, she performed alongside her former teacher, harpist Li-Ya Huang, in a program featuring works by Carlos Salzedo, Manuel de Falla and Claude Debussy.

Chen says the school's rigorous orchestral training gave her a strong foundation, while courses in chamber music and music entrepreneurship broadened her experience and outlook.