In mid-July, the inaugural Percussion Education Seminar was successfully held at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. Musicians and educators from prominent institutions such as the Central Conservatory of Music, China National Symphony Orchestra, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Xi’an Conservatory of Music, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, as well as representatives from various provincial and city associations and orchestras, gathered at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. The seminar provided an excellent platform for discussing the latest concepts, teaching methods, and practical experiences in percussion education, with a particular focus on exploring the teaching and developmental paths of percussion in K-12 education.

School Head Zheng Ran shared insights with the attending guests on the curriculum system, teaching staff, educational achievements, and future plans of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. She explained how, guided by the principles of holistic education, the school aims to carry forward the spirit of Yehudi Menuhin and nurture well-rounded, internationally minded “future musicians.”

Professor Zhang Jingli, doctoral advisor in percussion at the Central Conservatory of Music and music director of the China International Percussion Festival and Competition, was invited to chair the seminar. Her keynote address, titled "Western Percussion Curriculum Design," explored three key dimensions—technical refinement, performance ability, and musical creativity—in cultivating highly skilled, experienced performers. She explained how, on this foundation, to structure a progressive curriculum and establish assessment mechanisms, ensuring that practice and performance bolster students' growth in percussion. Her presentation inspired a strong sense of connection and enthusiasm among the attendees, as she described how young students could continually explore, innovate, and even set new trends on their musical journeys.

The seminar continued with guests sharing their valuable insights on teaching methods, curriculum design, and cross-cultural exchanges. They analysed the current state and characteristics of percussion education at the youth level, discussing how to effectively promote and select talent for percussion within the K-12 educational system. The challenges and opportunities faced by percussion education in the context of internationalisation were also thoroughly debated. Drawing from the international outlook and strong faculty at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, the attendees provided thoughtful suggestions on how best to establish a robust percussion programme, ultimately aiming to create broad and professional learning opportunities for more young percussion enthusiasts.