Welcome, dear students and parents!
*Download or scroll down at the end of the article for the recital programme I must say that I am so very proud of every student of mine who has committed to not only their regular lessons but they have also committed to the challenge of performing on stage tonight. Regardless of the performer's age, experience, and level, performing is a crucial part of learning, especially in music and instrumental studies. I do not agree when one says "I just can't perform" or someone is just a natural-born performer. Just like learning anything, performing is an experience to be practiced; we practice smiling at glitches and we keep going, we practice staying firm in what we have set to do and not giving up halfway, we practice achieving accuracy and excellence, we celebrate mistakes and we leap forward after a performance. It is not about perfection that we are seeking in a performance but an impression. What do you want your audience to remember after your play? Perhaps your beautiful legato? Your funny jumpy notes? Or that one gentle moment when you touch someone's heart and make him or her cry a little? There is no impression that could be made if there is no content and communication. Essentially, performing is to speak without words, to express without the obvious, and to share with an open heart. So that is why we practice, again and again, dwell in the repetition and details because we cannot make any content if there is no connection! For sure one cannot expect passion, interest, and love if not enough time is spent on building such a connection! (Therefore, go home and practice after tonight...) I appreciate the weekly time I get with my students. I don't even see some of my family members once a week, so to me the student-teacher relationships are intimately precious. Each of you came to me and chose me, such choreography in life is as beautiful as it is and I give you all that I have, knowing that we can achieve something great and beautiful together, such as tonight. A small milestone to collect is a big step for some of us. Cheers and happy new year! - your teacher Fei
