This year, Tianjin Juilliard celebrated its seventh Pre-College commencement — a milestone marked not only by achievement, but by extraordinary dedication. Weekend after weekend, the Pre-College students arrived in Binhai from cities across China, with their instruments, determination, and most importantly, their unwavering love for music. Balancing the demands of high school studies with advanced musical training at Tianjin Juilliard, these students transformed long journeys and packed schedules into a powerful testament to their passion, discipline, and artistry.
Among them are Ziyu Zhang (Pre-College ’26, cello) from Qingdao, who joined Pre-College as part of its inaugural class in 2019, and Fengyulu Jin (Pre-College ’26, horn) from Hangzhou, who chose to pursue music professionally and entered Pre-College in her second year of high school. As they prepare for their next chapters – with Zhang heading to the Curtis Institute of Music and Jin following an offer from the Central Conservatory of Music – the two graduates reflect on their experiences, challenges, and discoveries that shaped their artistic growth.
Looking back at your time at Tianjin Juilliard, can you share a memorable experience?
Ziyu Zhang: One of my favorite experiences was singing in the chorus. I am so glad that choral singing and exploring choral masterworks are core components of the Tianjin Juilliard curriculum. The skills involved in singing — breath control, active listening, and expressive phrasing — deeply influenced the way I approach my own instrument. Being surrounded by voices opened my ears in a way that solo practice never could. I often feel that music exists simply to make us feel something.
Fengyulu Jin: Without doubt, my favorite moment was every time I stepped onto the stage. For me, the orchestra is and will always be the greatest “group portrait” — something that will always move people.
Can you share one challenge you faced during your studies, and how you overcame it?
Ziyu Zhang: Chamber music rehearsals were sometimes challenging, especially when progress felt slow. I learned the importance of constructive communication. I learned to lead discussions by first recognizing what was working well, then identifying problems, and finally inviting ideas for solutions. It is collaboration that makes the process easier!
Fengyulu Jin: One challenge for me was learning how to manage my time. I often postpone tasks until the last minute, which affected my efficiency and the quality of my work. Since joining Tianjin Juilliard, my weekends have become busier, and I realized I needed to plan ahead more carefully. Over time, I developed better time-management habits and learned how to make use of small pockets of time throughout the day, during travel or between classes.
As they look ahead, these young musicians remain committed to growth: continuing to practice, perform on global stages, embrace new experiences, and pursue their passions that inspire them within and beyond music. Young and full of promise, they understand that the future does not need to be fully defined yet. Instead, they step forward into a wider world of possibilities, ready to shape their own artistic paths with curiosity, courage, and individuality.