At The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, a 16-year-old Year 10 viola student made waves by boldly taking on the challenge of applying early to Germany's prestigious music conservatories—known for their highly competitive admission rates—and succeeded in securing two coveted offers. How did he do it?

Chen Qikai

Year 10 Viola Major, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao

Instructor: Cai Lei

Admitted to the Bachelor’s Programme at The School of Music Hanns Eisler Berlin (Germany)

Admitted to the Bachelor’s Programme at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media (Germany)

Chen Qikai began his music journey studying under Professor Su Zhen at the Affiliated Primary School of the Central Conservatory of Music, later continuing with Professor Su at the Conservatory's Affiliated Middle School. After joining The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao in 2022, he majored in viola under Associate Professor Cai Lei and pursued piano as a secondary discipline. Chen has won numerous awards in international viola competitions, and in June 2024, he became the youngest viola student of the year to be admitted to the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media.

A Diligent and Reliable Young Man

"Germany has a rich cultural atmosphere steeped in the arts, with an impressive history and foundation in music education. I first learned about the immense contributions of the great German composer Bach when I was in Year 4 or 5, which sparked a dream of studying in Germany one day. As I deepened my understanding of other great composers like Beethoven, Brahms, and Handel, my resolve only grew stronger. Setting a goal to apply for a bachelor's programme at 16 meant that my time to prepare would be relatively short. Thus, figuring out how to achieve more in less time became essential. I realised just two weeks before my exams that my secondary piano repertoire wasn’t quite ready. To make up for lost time while maintaining rigorous practice on my primary instrument, I had to put in 8 to 9 hours of practice each day. This period also honed my self-management skills."

A Supportive Network of Teachers at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao 

“I am particularly grateful to my principal teacher, Professor. Cai, for everything he has done for me professionally. He was patient with some of the more challenging pieces, guiding me in understanding and mastering their meaning and techniques. This not only helped me make significant technical progress but also opened my eyes to a new depth of emotional understanding in music.”

“Studying and training in chamber music has greatly enhanced my primary instrument. The teachers in The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao's Chamber Music Department have provided excellent professional support. I also often rehearse and work on pieces with my ensemble partners, and I truly enjoy the sense of progress and collaboration across all the sections.”

“In terms of balancing my subjects, the general musicianship curriculum at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao has been invaluable. It has taught us to think about music from different perspectives and to build a well-rounded musical foundation. Meanwhile, the academic courses have helped me strengthen my logic, understanding of both Chinese and Western history, and grasp of language and literature.”

“It is thanks to all of this that I feel so strongly supported at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. It gave me the confidence to take a leap and challenge myself by applying to these top bachelor’s programmes three years ahead of schedule—and in the end, I succeeded.”

The School of Music Hanns Eisler Berlin is one of the world's most renowned music conservatories, home to many internationally acclaimed artists and educators. Not only does the school uphold Germany's tradition of rigorous music education, but it also fosters innovation in training the next generation of musicians. In addition to its collaboration with the Konzerthaus Berlin, the school maintains close ties with the Berlin Philharmoniker and the Bayreuth Festival. Its prime location offers students numerous opportunities to engage deeply with the artistic traditions of many distinguished musicians while participating in various activities.

The Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, a public arts university founded in 1897, is one of Germany's most famous institutions for both the arts and sciences. The university offers 33 undergraduate and master’s programmes and has the authority to grant doctoral degrees and professorship qualifications. Its programmes in accordion, strings, and wind instruments are particularly well-regarded worldwide.