Introduction
Situated in the scenic Tangdao Bay Coastal Park of Qingdao, China, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao is a dedicated full-time K12 institution for music education. As the sole overseas extension of the UK's Yehudi Menuhin School, celebrated as the 'cradle of musical geniuses,' our school proudly embodies Master Menuhin's artistic ethos, harmoniously blending the educational philosophy of its UK counterpart with the richness of Chinese cultural heritage. Specializing in Western classical music, we offer a broad spectrum of programs in strings, winds, and keyboards, specifically tailored for the musically inclined youth of China and East Asia. Our mission is to provide a superior educational experience, nurturing these young talents for success in leading international music conservatories and universities. For a comprehensive understanding of our approach and the opportunities we offer, we invite prospective students and their families to delve into our school handbook. Please ensure a thorough perusal of this guide to accurately gauge the musical aptitude and potential required for a fulfilling journey at our institution.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the school plans to enrol applicants aged 6-17, with flexibility in age limits based on the applicant's professional level. Applicants are encouraged to read the application process thoroughly and complete it truthfully to enable an assessment of their musical capabilities and potential as musicians.
Application Process
  • 01

    Online Application

    Via YMSQ Official Website & WeChat Account
    Click to Download Application Form
  • 02

    Preliminary Materials Submission

    Application Form Two Video Recordings Recommendation Letter (English and Chinese) Personal Statement (Chinese and English)
  • 03

    Interview

    Piece Performance Aural Test Sight-Reading Q&A
  • 04

    Campus Experience Day

    Participate in campus experience activities based on applicant’s entry test results
  • 05

    Admission Offer

    Offer letter granted to students passing the evaluation

Stage 1: Application Form and Preliminary Materials Submission

1) Fill out the enrolment application form accurately and completely. The electronic version can be obtained through the official WeChat account or by emailing admissions@menuhinschool.cn. The email subject should follow the format "Applicant's Name + Major."

2) Submit two video recordings of recent performances (within 2 months) on your major instrument, featuring contrasting styles and periods, for initial evaluation. You'll typically receive notification of the preliminary assessment within 3-5 working days after full submission.
Recording and Submission Guidelines:
• The video must ensure that the performance is genuinely and completely performed by the applicant, and the applicant must be clearly visible throughout the performance in the video frame.
• The video file can be shot with professional equipment, and we also accept works recorded by smartphones.
• We support the following file formats: avi, flv, m4v, mkv, mov, mpeg, mp4, wmv.
• Name each video file with the composer and work/movement.
• Do not edit the video content during the performance and do not add any effects such as "reverb."
• If you use an iPhone to record the video, please make sure to select “Best Compatibility” in the settings under Camera - Format Options.
• Please upload the video files directly as email attachments. If the file size exceeds the attachment limit, you can upload it to your Baidu cloud disk and write the video link and file extraction code in the body of the email.
• Before uploading, please confirm that the image and sound quality are good and can represent your best work so far.

3) Prepare a recommendation letter from a music professional. The letter must be personally written and sent by the recommender via their email to admissions@menuhinschool.cn, with the subject “Applicant's Name + Recommender's Name.”

4) Prepare a personal statement in both Chinese and English.

Stage 2: Interview

Applicants passing the preliminary review will enter the interview phase. The applicant will attend an interview (online or onsite) with an expert panel including the school head, director of music, deputy head, department heads, and teachers for professional assessment. Applicants should attend the interview at the designated location and time as notified by the admissions office. A bilingual teaching assistant will provide language assistance during the interview. The school head will also interview the parents. Applicants will be informed of the interview results within 3-5 working days after completion.

Stage 3: Campus Experience Day

For further evaluation in artistic performance and behaviour, applicants may be required to participate in a Campus Experience Day, with specific schedules to be notified. Activities may include:
1) Applicant interviews conducted by the expert evaluation team.
2) Parental interviews carried out by the expert evaluation team.
3) Applicants will collaborate with an accompaniment teacher to perform two stylistically diverse pieces of their choice on their primary instrument, plus an additional unaccompanied piece.
4) The applicant's proficiency on a secondary instrument will be assessed, including a performance alongside the accompaniment teacher.
5) The evaluation team will test the applicant's learning capabilities by having them learn a new piece within 20 minutes, followed by a sight-reading test.
6) An aural test will be conducted to assess the applicant's listening skills.
7) The department head will provide specialized guidance to the applicant.
8) Applicants are expected to engage in a specific academic class chosen for them.
9) Applicants are expected to participate in an extracurricular activity chosen for them.
10) Address by the school head.
2023-2024 First Study of Instrument
String music keyboard woodwind brass
Violin Piano Flute French Horn
Viola Oboe Trumpet
Cello Clarinet Trombone
Double Bass Bassoon