From October 30th to November 3rd, Professor Boris Kucharsky, a violin professor from The Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK, visited Qingdao for a week-long residency to conduct teaching and research at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao (YMSQ).

Collaborative Exchange and Partnership

Professor Kucharsky engaged in educational workshops with YMSQ's violin, viola, and classical guitar faculty members. He shared the UK school’s teaching materials, methods, and resources in string education, as well as their systematic approach to managing principal and collaborative instructors. He imparted the wealth of classroom teaching experience amassed over sixty years at The Yehudi Menuhin School, UK.

He also convened meetings with department heads of various music disciplines at YMSQ, aiming to better embody Yehudi Menuhin's holistic educational philosophy. The discussions revolved around maintaining the core values shared by both schools and enhancing joint efforts, resource sharing, and interactive engagements.

Deep Involvement in Classroom Activities and Knowledge Sharing

During his stay, Professor Kucharsky maintained a full schedule, primarily observing music classes and conducting one-on-one teaching sessions. After concluding all teaching activities, he promptly provided comprehensive feedback to the violin department, aimed at promoting shared learning and advancing violin instruction between the two institutions.

Professor Kucharsky started by attending one-on-one lessons given by YMSQ's violin and viola instructors, gaining insight into various teaching styles and student progress across different grades. He actively participated in pedagogical exchanges with YMSQ teachers and offered direct guidance to students during lessons, assisting them in honing their detail handling and musical expression.

▲Highlights from Boris Kucharsky's Master Classes and Individual Sessions

In his individual teaching sessions, Professor Kucharsky immersed violin and viola students in an authentic learning environment reflective of The Yehudi Menuhin School, UK. His nuanced and engaging teaching style focused on guiding students to simultaneously master musical techniques and deepen their understanding of the pieces. He taught them how to use elements like vibrato and bow techniques to achieve musical nuances and expressive qualities, while also encouraging them to think deeply about the intrinsic style of the pieces and how to infuse their personal interpretations into performances.

Experience Sharing and Enlightening Minds

▲Experiencing YMSQ's Weekly Wednesday Midday Concert

In a lecture titled "Stage and Podium," Professor Kucharsky recounted how Yehudi Menuhin profoundly influenced him and shaped his development into a multifaceted artist. He assured the students at YMSQ that they are receiving an equally transformative education.

As a violin professor at both The Yehudi Menuhin School and prestigious institutions like the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Germany's Die Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen, Professor Kucharsky combined his expertise in higher education to provide a seminar on college applications for YMSQ’s high school students. He shared insights into selecting schools and preparing for applications across different countries and regions and conducted a mock interview session for seniors, offering valuable advice on university interview techniques.

Reflecting on his week at YMSQ, Professor Kucharsky noted the power of music to bridge language and cultural divides. The collaboration between the Chinese and British schools exemplifies this, with music becoming the ultimate medium of communication. Together, these sister schools are poised to create a shared future.