“At The Tianjin Juilliard School, the atmosphere encourages us not only to practice and perform, but also to imagine, experiment, and find our own voices as artists,” said Anna Zhukova (MM ‘26, collaborative piano).
Life in Tianjin often reminds her of her hometown, Astrakhan, a Russian city near the Caspian Sea. From the Volga River to the Haihe River, the sound and smell of the water connect her childhood memories to her artistic journey in Binhai, Tianjin. “When I sit at the piano, I often imagine this connection between places. Just as rivers flow and merge into the sea, my experiences here flow into my music,” said Anna Zhukova. “Our school is more than a place of study — it is a home where ideas, friendships, and creativity flow as freely as the river outside our windows.”
“With my film camera in hand, I often wander through the city, searching for moments of quiet beauty.” In her spare time, she enjoys observing how Tianjin changes with the seasons. “Through my camera lens, I try to capture these moods, preserving not just images but feelings.” She also believes that exploring the city is a form of cultural education. Over the past two years, she has visited markets, teahouses and museums and has tried many foods she had never tasted before.
Tianjin is a city of many faces. On some streets, European-style buildings rise with quiet dignity, carrying the memory of history, and sometimes I feel as though I have stepped into Moscow. Yet, just a corner away, the unmistakable spirit of Asia bursts forth — full of colors, sounds, and life. It is this contrast, this seamless blending of cultures, that makes Tianjin feel so alive and endlessly fascinating. Unlike cities that can be overwhelming with their size and noise, Tianjin reveals itself gradually, through quiet walks, hidden corners, and unexpected discoveries.
Anna Zhukova (MM ‘26, collaborative piano)
“Here in Tianjin, I have learned that life, like music, is made of connections — between cultures, memories and people. Tianjin has taught me to listen more deeply, not only to music but also to life itself — to the rhythm of the streets, the voices of friends, the sound of water and the silence between notes.”
Looking ahead, Anna Zhukova knows that her graduate studies at Tianjin Juilliard have shaped both her music and her life. “Most importantly, it has given me a sense of belonging — the feeling of being at home even far from where I was born,” she said. “And that, perhaps, is the greatest gift a city can offer.”