Tributes abound for influential Chinese pianist and musical educator, Zhu Yafen
During holidays especially Teacher’s Day, renowned pianists such as Lang Lang, Wei Xiaofan, Qu Dawei, and Zhang Fang never forget to give Professor Zhu Yafen a warm greeting, even they are no longer her students.
However, when students habitually dialed that unforgettable number on this year’s Teacher’s Day, all they heard was the busy signal. It was then that they suddenly remembered – Prof. Zhu had passed away on November 13, 2022.
Lang Lang, in a memorial tribute to Prof. Zhu, wrote:
“She was my teacher as long as I can remember. She was not only my piano teacher but also my life mentor,” wrote Lang, describing Zhu as “the greatest, the most loving, caring and warmest teacher” who understood him the most.
让我们翻开尘封的篇章，追忆这一位严慈相济，以德育人的著名钢琴教育家。
她如风，把音乐从城市吹到田野
Prof. Zhu Yafen was born in August 1929 into a lovely family, setting the stage for her musical journey from an early age. Encouraged by her father, she began learning the piano as a child.
Growing up in the vibrant artistic atmosphere of Shanghai at the time, Prof. Zhu was exposed to various types of music. Gradually, she fell in love with this enchanting instrument, piano.
Zhu Yafen taught Zhang Fang during his childhood
Following her graduation, Zhu joined the Singing and Dancing Troupe in 1954, touring over 10 countries. Through art, she introduced our New China to the Western world.
During her five years in rural areas, whenever she had spare time, Prof. Zhu seized the opportunity to play the piano for villagers. She was deeply touched by villagers’ anticipation and yearning for music. From then on, she has had a deep affection for the piano.
Li Minduo, Zhu Yafen, Bao Huiqiao, Zhou Guangren
Wu Ying, Chen Bigang
她如水，滋润钢琴家成长的种子
春风化雨，滋润万物。
As a successful music educator for nearly 70 years, Zhu trained many Chinese pianists, with the most famous being the pianist Lang Lang.
As early as three and a half years old, the 37-year-long teacher-student bond between Lang Lang and Professor Zhu Yafen had already begun. Prof. Zhu held Lang Lang in high regard from his childhood, and whether it was learning the piano, participating in competitions, or performing abroad, her influence was ever-present on Lang Lang’s piano journey.
“One should not focus on instant results, but take a long-term view. What I need to do is to provide my students with ‘soil’ and ‘nutrition’, just like gardeners planting flowers. The ‘soil’ and ‘nutrition’ will help my students grow for the rest of their lives,” she said.
Prof. Zhu and Her Students
桃李遍地，繁星满空。
Professor Zhang Fang, an associate professor and pianist at Renmin University of China School of Arts, who also studied under Professor Zhu Yafen, once wrote: Prof. Zhu dedicated herself to nurturing young pianists and showcasing their talents. Her passion for music and tireless work ethic inspired generations of musicians. We will remember her profound legacy forever.
Prof. Zhu Yafen with Zhang Fang, Associate Professor and Pianist at Renmin University of China of Arts
Prof. Zhu and David Qu, Pianist, Composer and Conductor
Prof. Zhu Yafen with Wei Xiaofan, Associate Professor and Pianist at the Piano Department of the Central Conservatory of Music
Prof. Zhu and Students of Shanghai Conservatory of Music
她是光，照亮中国钢琴教育之路
“Anywhere that needs my teaching, I will go!”
Prof. Zhu Yafen once said in an interview. She persisted in going grassroots and delving into various regions across the country. Prof. Zhu dedicated herself to elementary piano teaching. She recorded instructional videotapes for “Children’s Piano Lectures,” translated and published the book “Guidance on Piano Pedaling Techniques,” and served as a judge in numerous national and international piano competitions. She organized masterclasses and teacher training workshops nationwide, leaving countless earnest teachings for young pianists.
At the inception of the Lang Lang Music World in 2012, Professor Zhu dedicated nearly a decade to its development, shuttling between Beijing and Shenzhen on a weekly to monthly basis. Not driven by financial gain, she spared no effort.
Prof. Zhu in Lang Lang Music World
In 2008, Prof. Zhu held a lecture in Hong Kong to share Lang Lang’s growth. At that time, she forged a lasting connection with Mr. Jye Lee, Chairman of the Hong Kong International Musician Association. Both passionate about the development of piano education, they quickly formed a strong bond.
Professor Zhu Yafen with Mr. Jye Lee
In their acquaintance of more than 10 years, Chairman Mr. Lee said,
“Prof. Zhu never hesitated to contribute to any activities beneficial to the promotion of piano education. As early as the preparations for the 2018 China (Sanya) International Piano Music Week, she invited other renowned pianists and educators to participate. In addition, she actively volunteered to be a judge for the 2019 Han-China International Piano Competition, aiming to bring Chinese piano education to international.”
the Inaugural China (Sanya) International Piano Music Week
the Inaugural Han-China International Piano Art Festival and Piano Performance Competition
Professor Zhu Yafen is not just a piano teacher; she is also an artist and a scholar.
Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through her educational piano spirit, the countless pianists she mentored. 她的爱也一定会结出更绚烂的花朵、更丰盛的果实。
