Classical Music & Education Forum Concludes Successfully at MYS Recital Hall — A Thought-provoking dialogue of Music and Education
By Audrey Zhou
(Presented by 8 Foundation, featuring three outstanding young musicians from the world's most prestigious music schools)
Mesa, AZ — On the morning of June 21, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the “Chamber Music Concert and Music Education Workshop,” meticulously organized by 8 Foundation, was successfully held at MYS Recital Hall. The event featured three accomplished young musicians: Steven Zhang, a violist from The Juilliard School; Yiding Chen, a Harvard Graduate School of Education alumna and Juilliard graduate; and Chuwen Wang, a doctoral candidate in Music Arts at Arizona State University. The forum was hosted by Audrey Zhou, an 8th-grade student from BASIS Scottsdale.
With more than 50 music enthusiasts and families in attendance, the event was filled with warmth and enthusiasm. More than a concert, this was a meaningful dialogue between music and education—a true meeting of minds, ideas, and inspiration.
A Musical Feast: The Artistic Expression of Classics and Innovation
The event opened with a gentle flow of chamber music. The three musicians performed classic works by Mozart and Debussy in perfect harmony, displaying both technical excellence and artistic nuance.
Steven Zhang (currently at Juilliard) delivered a deeply expressive viola solo. He began exploring music at age 13, started learning violin at 15, and transitioned to viola by 17. Beyond his personal artistry, Steven is devoted to community outreach—bringing classical music to senior homes across Phoenix, ensuring that elderly residents can regularly enjoy high-quality concerts close to home.
Chuwen Wang (Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at ASU) showcased her musical depth with a poetic interpretation of Chopin’s Nocturne. Drawing on her experience as a winner of international piano competitions in New York, she gave a clear and insightful talk on “enhancing musical expression through attention to detail.” As an experienced educator and collaborative pianist, she also shared practical teaching strategies tailored to different student age groups.
Yiding Chen (Harvard Graduate School of Education, Juilliard undergrad) performed a vibrant excerpt from Ibert’s Flute Concerto, pushing the event’s energy to its peak. With a background spanning from Xinghai Conservatory’s Middle School in China to Juilliard, and later Harvard, she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to music and education. “The focus and creativity cultivated through musical training,” she shared, “have opened up a whole new lens for my educational research.”
Deep Dialogue: Wisdom on Music Education and Life Growth
Under the guidance of host Audrey Zhou, the audience engaged in a dynamic and heartfelt Q&A session. The three musicians offered candid reflections across several key topics:
Mentors Who Shape Character
All three musicians fondly recalled the teachers who had a lasting impact on their musical and personal development—educators who not only refined their technique but also helped shape their values and identity.
Practice Habits: Love, Consistency, and Self-Discipline
· Steven emphasized: “Daily practice should focus on quality over duration. Practicing is also a form of self-cultivation—an ongoing conversation with oneself.”
· Chuwen encouraged beginners to “learn to enjoy the process of practice and maintain emotional balance through ups and downs.”
· Yiding added: “Love is the best teacher. The true goal of music is to nourish the soul. Integrating music into daily life makes it a tool for inner expression.”
Regarding the common challenge of balancing academics with musical practice, the panel suggested two key strategies: setting clear priorities and using fragmented time effectively. One excited 10-year-old violin student shared: “I didn’t know professional musicians also struggle with practice! But they always find a way through!”
Summer Programs: Starting Local, Growing Global
Drawing from their experiences at prestigious summer camps like MYS and Interlochen, the musicians encouraged young students to begin with local music programs and gradually explore more advanced options. They emphasized the importance of summer programs in fostering teamwork, independence, and peer learning.
The true personal stories behind the world’s most prestigious music ’s institute application:
While all three musicians boast elite educational backgrounds, they openly discussed the personal journeys behind the accolades.
· Steven Zhang spoke of his transition from a passion for STEM to a deeper calling in music, highlighting how the arts shape not just skills but character.
· Yiding Chen reflected on her “cross-disciplinary” path—from Xinghai to Juilliard to Harvard—and how music’s focus and creativity became assets in her education research.
· Chuwen Wang recounted her path through U.S. high school, college, and graduate programs. After exploring multiple directions, she ultimately chose to pursue a doctoral degree in collaborative piano and commit to a career in music education.
Their stories serve as invaluable examples for young learners and provide thoughtful guidance for parents navigating their children’s educational paths.
Lasting Impact: Planting Seeds of Music and Hope in the Community
Even after the event concluded, many families stayed behind to continue their conversations with the performers. One parent remarked, “This event not only expanded our child’s vision of what music can be but also helped us better understand how to support them with wisdom and care.”
8 Foundation announced that it will continue collaborating with outstanding musicians to bring more high-quality educational events to the community, further promoting the accessibility and vitality of classical music.
This was more than a concert. It was a heartfelt dialogue on education, growth, and the power of art—infusing fresh energy and meaning into community-based music education.