With graduation fast approaching, we spoke with Annie Fromson-Ho (MM ‘25, Instrumental and Orchestral Studies, cello) to reflect on her time at Tianjin Juilliard and share advice for incoming students. She encourages fellow students to embrace curiosity and humility, using their unique perspectives to create music that fosters meaningful connections.
Looking back at your time at Tianjin Juilliard, what has been a defining moment in your musical journey here?
One of the most defining moments in my musical journey was performing Rachmaninov’s Sonata for Cello and Piano. This piece, with its sweeping lyricism and emotional depth, became more than just a performance—it was a moment of profound connection, both with the music and with me as a performer. The slow movement, in particular, resonated with me in a way I hadn’t anticipated. As I played, I found myself not just playing the notes on the page, but I allowed its warmth, introspection, and deeply expressive phrases to shape my playing and drive my connection with the audience.
Can you share a particular challenge you faced during your studies, and how you overcame it? What did you learn from that experience?
Navigating the transition from a liberal arts background to a conservatory environment has deepened my understanding of what it means to be a musician beyond traditional definitions. While I have been deeply passionate about music my whole life, my academic foundation was rooted in broader interdisciplinary studies, so I often questioned whether my unconventional path would allow me to fully integrate into this space. This spring, I am working on an independent study with professor Irena Klaic, exploring alumni, student, and faculty perspectives on the concept of ‘Artist as Citizen’. The goal is to understand how this idea resonates within the Tianjin Juilliard community and to explore ways the school can further support current and future students in this area.
As you prepare to graduate, what advice would you give to incoming students?
As you embark on your journey at Tianjin Juilliard, I encourage you to embrace this experience with curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility – both to your artistry and to the community of which you are now a part. Whether through collaboration, community engagement, or cultural exchange, your time here will be most fulfilling when you see yourself not just as a student, but as an artist with a role to play in something larger than yourself. Good luck and welcome to Tianjin Juilliard!
