At the start of the new year, a delegation of teachers and students from The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao (YMSQ), led by President Lu Siqing and Music Director Thomas Rosenkranz, embarked on a week-long study tour to the UK. This marked a profound face-to-face interaction between the Chinese and British sister schools in areas such as teaching and research, student development, community outreach, and resource sharing, becoming a significant milestone in China-UK cultural exchange.

An Immersive Learning Experience with Bountiful Gains

The Yehudi Menuhin School (YMS) meticulously prepared for this visit. Upon entering the classrooms of their British counterpart, YMSQ students immediately immersed themselves in specialized courses taught entirely in English, chamber music workshops, improvisation classes, and music history sessions. Their remarkable adaptability stemmed from the aligned educational philosophies and teaching systems between both schools—from specialized curriculum planning to Individual Learning Plans (ILP), from cognitive training to holistic musicianship development. This created a seamless learning pathway that not only helped students quickly acclimate to the British teaching style but also cultivated their international perspective and cross-cultural understanding.

Wei Chuanqi, Grade 11 Violin Major: "The YMS arranged a rich variety of courses and activities. The teachers emphasized details and adopted an encouraging teaching approach, making the experience both enjoyable and rewarding. Though brief, we gained immense knowledge and forged wonderful friendships."

Luo Zhiyuan, Grade 11 Viola Major, praised the one-on-one instruction: "Professor Elliott Perks, for instance, expertly uses humor to help students relax and immerse themselves in the music, making mastery come naturally and efficiently. The professors here consistently recognize our strengths and offer encouragement, which has unconsciously filled me with confidence."

Beyond music instruction, developing better self-directed learning and personal management skills proved to be significant takeaways from this study tour. From itinerary planning to activity organization, from daily routines to personalized class schedules, from individual practice to collaborative performances—each student excelled individually while integrating into the group, enthusiastically applauding others while receiving sincere encouragement from peers.

Meanwhile, Qingdao faculty members also observed music classes and engaged in in-depth pedagogical exchanges with their British counterparts, gaining more intuitive insights into how the teaching systems of both schools could complement and integrate with each other.

Teacher Zhang Ning: "This tour vividly embodied the 'Menuhin Spirit.' We witnessed firsthand how the UK school functions as a 'family' rather than merely an institution. In this nurturing environment, our students progressed from initial reserve to comfortable integration, achieving breakthroughs both musically and psychologically. As teachers, we not only engaged in profound classroom exchanges with UK faculty and students but also witnessed how the UK teachers generously shared educational resources while the management team demonstrated through action how they cultivate this unique community of musicians. This journey was not only an academic and artistic exploration but also a profound reconsideration of education's essence."

Teacher Wang Ziyue: "The atmosphere and culture here are extraordinarily unique among Western music conservatories and schools. Despite each student's excellence, there's virtually no sense of competition. Our students received the most enthusiastic applause of their lives on the UK school's stage and formed friendships that were difficult to part with. In my conversations with Principal Robin, I learned that nurturing a campus culture of mutual support, encouragement, assistance, and protection is a philosophy actively implemented by every teacher."

Teacher Liu Bojun: "This study tour greatly benefited not only our students but also us teachers. We had the opportunity to directly observe advanced concepts and practices in European youth music education, gaining cutting-edge information and resources that are vivid, concrete, and practical. As professional faculty at the YMSQ, I can sense that our efforts over the past three years have organically aligned with this direction. While there is still considerable work to be done to fully establish such an atmosphere, I believe this transformation won't take long."

A Grander Stage, A Brighter Future

Beyond classroom learning, the YMS arranged numerous intensive and enriching rehearsals and performances, allowing students to step into their roles as future musicians. From the initial nervousness of performing on a foreign stage to eventually enjoying performances with calm composure, one could already glimpse the poise of young musicians ready to navigate the world. Students from both schools collaborated with remarkable chemistry, learned from each other, progressed together, and became like-minded friends.

Students from both schools were invited to perform at the 2025 "China-UK Charity, Building Harmony Together" Chinese New Year Charity Concert, a significant event promoting Sino-British friendship. The concert attracted distinguished guests including Minister Wang Qi from the Chinese Embassy in the UK, former Lord Mayor of London Sir Charles Bowman, Chairman David Buckley of The Yehudi Menuhin School Board, and John McLean, Chairman of the UK-China Business Development Centre, among other prominent figures from political, business, and artistic circles. Despite the inevitable nervousness of performing at such a prestigious event, the students rose to the occasion through positive adjustment, mutual encouragement, and diligent rehearsal. They ultimately delivered a brilliant performance alongside their British counterparts. Their poised confidence on stage, exquisite technical mastery, and seamless collaboration won enthusiastic applause from everyone present, showcasing the remarkable qualities of students from The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. President Lu Siqing and Music Director Thomas Rosenkranz also performed Paganini's "Sonata No. 5 in A Major," masterfully interpreting the piece's passion and tenderness, power and delicacy, bringing the concert's atmosphere to its climax amid thunderous applause.

Renowned violinist and Co-President of the YMS, Tasmin Little CBE, remarked at the event: "These 14-to-18-year-old students, facing their debut performance on a prestigious international stage before a discerning audience well-versed in classical music, confronted a formidable challenge. Nevertheless, their exceptional artistic finesse and remarkable poise captivated everyone present. I am convinced that Lord Menuhin himself would have been immensely proud of these extraordinary young musicians and their outstanding accomplishments!"

Exploring the World, Building Connections

During the study tour, students also made in-depth visits to world-renowned institutions including Oxford University, the Royal Academy of Music (RAM), the Royal College of Music (RCM), and other cultural organizations. At Oxford University, besides visiting the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology, students were specially invited to observe the Christ Church College choir. At the Royal College of Music, Music Director James Williams personally guided them through the school's concert halls and theaters, explaining the professional requirements and comprehensive abilities needed to study there. Coincidentally, an international piano competition was taking place at the venue, where RCM Piano Department Head Vanessa Latarche, who had previously visited The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, enthusiastically introduced the Chinese students to other judges and audience members. 

The appearance of Gao Yuxuan, a 2024 graduate of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao now studying at RCM, was an especially delightful surprise. She eagerly shared with her juniors: "My first semester at RCM has made me deeply appreciate how, beyond music training, they place tremendous importance on musicianship. If I hadn't chosen to attend the YMSQ for high school, I would certainly have struggled with my university coursework today. I'm fortunate that YMSQ equally values professional training and comprehensive musical development, which has allowed me to quickly adapt to studying here."

During their visit to the Royal Academy of Music (RAM), students observed a rehearsal by the academy's symphony orchestra. Although composed entirely of students, each instrument in their hands produced soul-stirring, powerful music that left a profound impression. Deputy Principal Timothy Jones warmly received the students and patiently answered their questions in detail. He particularly emphasized that RAM shares the same educational philosophy as the Menuhin School—both institutions are committed to the comprehensive development of students, nurturing them to become talents who benefit others and society. He specially arranged for admissions staff to conduct a guidance session on how to apply to RAM and expressed great anticipation for students considering future study there.

A Promise for Tomorrow

Thanks to the meticulous arrangements by the Yehudi Menuhin School, the study tour achieved complete success. Both schools made commitments to continue organizing more exchange visits, interactions, and collaborative activities, furthering mutual support, encouragement, and coordinated development between the sister institutions. As Ashley Wass, who previously served as Music Director for both schools, aptly stated: "Both schools exemplify the characteristics of warm, familial communities sharing common values, teaching philosophies, and developmental approaches. The power of our collaborative partnership benefits everyone involved."

Thomas Rosenkranz, Music Director of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao: "This transformative journey revealed the profound commitment of the UK school's faculty to nurturing both the emotional wellbeing and musical development of their students—a dedication that permeated every aspect of their program. Their curriculum is masterfully crafted and intellectually stimulating, seamlessly integrating pedagogical depth with compelling demonstrations. As practicing performers themselves, the faculty place immense value on the personalized interpretation of musical works, thus encouraging students to develop and express their distinctive artistic voices. I was particularly moved by our Qingdao students, who delivered spellbinding performances at both the Lord Mayor's Mansion House and The Yehudi Menuhin School, exhibiting remarkable technical prowess and artistic maturity. Witnessing their accomplishments has reinforced my unwavering confidence in their promising futures!"

This cross-continental China-UK exchange not only carries forward Maestro Yehudi Menuhin's artistic vision but also composes a fresh chapter in international music education while adding powerful notes to China-UK friendly relations. As students returned to Qingdao for the spring semester with abundant gains and reluctant farewells, the parting is certainly not an ending. The two sister schools will continue their collaborative journey in education and art, providing a vivid model for international music education. We can clearly see that these young musicians will continue advancing toward their dreams with support from all sides. As they grow, they will inject new vitality into China-UK friendship and cultural exchange.