On the 10th of March, 2023, Ms. Tian Zhenming, a registered mental health counsellor from the state of New York, global peace ambassador for the Malaysian Global Peace Summit, and a graduate in clinical psychology from Columbia University, visited The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. She conducted two modules aimed at enhancing the professional etiquette of the aspiring young musicians: 'In the Limelight: Overcoming Stage Anxiety' and 'Youth in Focus: Psychological Well-being and Interpersonal Communication for Year 7 to Year 11 Students.'

To equip outstanding young talents with skills that will benefit them throughout their lives and to ensure they are well-prepared for music careers, the school has curated a series of professional etiquette courses. These courses effectively enhance the students' humanistic qualities and provide them with a solid foundation for their lifelong career development. This comprehensive preparation sets them on the path to becoming exceptional musicians. Ms. Tian Zhenming, the guest speaker for this occasion, brings her extensive psychological expertise to the lecture. Her dynamic and interactive presentation, tailored to our school's context and students' needs, received high praise and appreciation from the attendees. The live sessions were marked by lively interactions and enthusiastic engagement from the students, underscoring their strong desire for personal growth.

1. A Proper Understanding and Management of 'Nervous' Emotions

Through interactive scenarios, Ms. Tian Zhenming prompted the students to imagine situations that induce nervousness during performances. From a psychological perspective, she emphasised that performance anxiety is a common occurrence. Factors such as confidence levels, familiarity with the performance piece, and the environment all play a role. Importantly, she highlighted that nervousness is a natural emotional response that even world-class musicians experience. While we cannot control whether we feel nervous, we can manage our behaviour beneath those emotions.

Nervousness itself serves a functional purpose and has positive aspects. Moderate nervousness can actually enhance performances, enabling musicians to present their best and preventing them from being overwhelmed by the emotion. Ms. Tian Zhenming guided students in exploring how to manage nervousness effectively, confining it to a range that benefits performance outcomes. She shared key points, such as establishing a connection with new performance environments, focusing attention on the body, and employing techniques like the 4-7-8 breathing method to stabilise breathing and heart rate. By adopting a more scientific perspective on nervous emotions and using effective self-regulation methods during performances, musicians can deliver even more impressive performances.

2. Navigating Adolescence: Effective Communication

For the inevitable phase of adolescence, Ms. Tian Zhenming provided insights into the changes in this period from psychological, cognitive, emotional, and psychological needs perspectives. Referring to research from the Stanford Institute of Research, she emphasised how relationships, both familial and peer-related, undergo restructuring during adolescence, necessitating careful management.

Ms. Tian Zhenming imparted strategies for addressing challenges in interpersonal relationships. She emphasised that communication is not only a skill but an art that enhances information conveyance and comprehension. Her advice included honestly describing one's feelings in a situation and articulating them sincerely and confidently. Learning to communicate and interact with others is a lifelong lesson. Encouragingly, our students at YMSQ, guided by renowned experts and the principles of holistic education, have already mastered the art of communication and efficient interaction during adolescence.

Clear understanding leads to steadfast implementation. The path of growth requires various essential courses. In the future, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao will continue to invite musicians, teachers, and professionals from diverse fields to share their experiences. Professional etiquette courses are a crucial part of embodying the principles of holistic education. Guiding young musicians to understand themselves correctly and to clarify their values in conduct is profoundly meaningful for individuals, school education, and society at large.