“We aim to nurture not only great musicians but also open, well-rounded individuals committed to contributing to universal harmony.”

— Yehudi Menuhin

At The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, we embrace the philosophy of holistic education, guiding students to grow as “future musicians.” But being a musician is not just about technical prowess—it’s about becoming a well-rounded person. What does it mean to develop holistically? It involves cultivating five core qualities: integrity, kindness, intellectual curiosity, community, and the pursuit of excellence.

As the new academic year begins, these small but significant steps in personal growth are already visible among the students.

YMSQ Students: Planning and Innovating with Purpose!

During the opening ceremony, students inspired their peers with speeches brimming with passion. These speeches weren’t just words—they sparked personal goal-setting for the year ahead. From the youngest students to the older ones, each drew up not just vague intentions but detailed plans, mapping out their aspirations for the academic year.

The celebration of Teachers' Day was also led by the students, who brainstormed creative ways to express their gratitude. From writing messages of appreciation to organizing flower presentations, every gesture demonstrated their ability to plan, collaborate, and innovate. Beyond showing appreciation, the students displayed impressive leadership and organizational skills by managing every detail of the event with care.

YMSQ Students: Hungry for Knowledge, Eager to Learn!

Practice is essential for every music student, but knowing how to practice effectively is a skill in itself. In response, Associate Professor Tian Jiaxin led a special workshop on the SMART practice method. Students eagerly engaged, reflecting on their practice routines and setting clear, achievable objectives. They embraced the challenges of mastering new repertoire with the same curiosity as if they were on a treasure hunt.

The SMART method breaks down effective practice into five key principles:

S = Specific: Set precise practice goals.

M = Measurable: Track progress and control nuances.

A = Attainable: Choose pieces that match your skill level.

R = Relevant: Understand the music’s deeper meaning.

T = Time-bound: Set time limits for achieving specific results.

Safety and Legal Awareness: A Priority for Menuhin Students

At The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, there is zero tolerance for bullying. To reinforce this policy, the school organized a safety and legal awareness workshop, inviting a senior police officer, Officer Yan, to discuss essential topics such as anti-bullying measures and fraud prevention. Students actively participated in the discussions, learning practical ways to protect themselves and others, while building a strong sense of responsibility toward safety and the law.

This is the everyday life of students at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao—a journey filled with joy, surprises, and personal growth. Here, students learn more than the “magic of music”; they develop into better individuals by striving to meet their five core goals. Each day, they make progress—whether by expressing gratitude, practicing intentionally, or standing up against injustice. With every small achievement, they move closer to becoming their best selves.