Distinguished classical pianists from America attended the 2016 AIIE International Art and Wisdom Education Masters tour of China on May 21 at UCAS Yanqihu campus. Nancy Weems, who is a professor and the Division Chair of the piano area at the University of Houston Moores School of Music, made an appearance. She was joined by Dr. Matti Raekallio, piano professor at Julliard School of Music, and esteemed piano teacher John Weems.
The 2016 International Art and Wisdom Education Masters China Tour, whose theme is Art and Science, was initiated by Chinese-American Mr. Patrick H. Pan and his mother, Ms. Pan Ruosha. Explaining that their hope is to bring joy and enlightenment to young scientists, Ms. Pan chose to hold the event at UCAS because it is the “closest place to science”.
The 2016 International Art and Wisdom Education Masters China Tour consisted of a symposium on science and art, along with a live music performance.
At the symposium, the attendees discussed the mode of arts education overseas and in China. Prof. Nancy Weems said she taught her students not only to play the piano, but also helped them develop in an all-round way through music.
Mr. John Weems shared his teaching experience, “Children who accepted music education earlier will be more self-conscious, sociable and confident at an earlier age.”
Prof. Ma Shizhuang, Vice Chairman of University Council, said science and art is a magic combination and is essential for human growth. In addition, he gave a brief introduction to the educational hallmarks of UCAS. UCAS has attached importance to the combination of science and art since its establishment. Along with its Art Center, UCAS has a School of Humanities and Social Sciences The University also provides a great variety of art courses including Literary Aesthetics, Dance Appreciation and the History of Western Art. Furthermore, it has set up a number of student art groups like the Doctoral Choir, a Dance group and a National Music Orchestra.
Mr. Patrick H. Pan, named a 2014 US Presidential Scholar, entered Harvard University at 16. He is a rising star who balances art and science remarkably. He has won awards for both science and music. He was also elected as the concert master at Houston Youth Symphony for five consecutive years.
Mr. Patrick H. Pan shared his feelings about learning science and art with UCAS students. He believes that music can influence human growth in at least three aspects. Firstly, music encourages persistence and confidence. Secondly, music can enhance creativity and enable people to meet the challenge. Thirdly, music promotes our understanding and appreciation of beauty, facilitates our communication with others and helps us find more ways to express our feelings.
After the symposium, Mr. Patrick H. Pan played (Piano) the Little Sisters in Grassland with Ms. Chen Bihe (Chinese lute), the Chinese lute teacher at UCAS. In addition, Mr. Patrick H. Pan played the piano with the three American pianists.
The most exciting part was when a UCAS student was invited to join the piano masters onstage. The lucky guy was Tan Chengsong, a UCAS undergraduate. He played Schubert’s Scherzo in B flat minor on piano and received some on-the-site instruction from Dr. Matti Raekallio. Afterwards, Tan said it was exhilarating and that he learned a lot from the experience.
