A world-renowned pianist from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music recently visited the MSU College of Music to hold master classes and explore potential collaborations between the two schools.

Zhe Tang, a professor and vice dean at the Shanghai Conservatory, came to MSU in mid-January on the invitation of the piano faculty of the College of Music. The visit enabled him to follow-up with College of Music leadership who visited China last fall, including Dean Jim Forger, Associate Dean Michael Kroth, and Professor and Chair of the Piano Area Deborah Moriarty.

“His visit opened up a lot of possibilities between our two schools,” says Zhihua Tang, head of collaborative piano at MSU and former classmate of Zhe Tang at the Shanghai Conservatory. “Our students also benefited from his expertise, as well as from the ideas and perspectives he shared.”

During his one-day visit, Zhe Tang conducted master classes for piano students in the College. His expertise, says Zhihua Tang, provided students with valuable insights on style and interpretation.

“It was very, very well received,” says Zhihua Tang. “It's great for our students to receive musical insights from a first-class pedagogue who has been active in the international music scene.”

Born in China, Zhe Tang entered the Shanghai Conservatory at the age of 12, and continued his studies in the U.S. at the Eastman School of Music. Returning to China, he became one of the youngest piano professors at the Shanghai Conservatory in 2003, and was later appointed to prominent leadership, teaching, and research positions. He is the recipient of numerous international awards and prizes, and is a frequent soloist and collaborator with prominent orchestras and conductors, including the China Philharmonic Orchestra and the Shanghai Symphony.

“I was very impressed with the level of teaching and playing at MSU,” says Zhe Tang. “I had a great time visiting the College, and particularly enjoyed the stimulating conversation with piano faculty members and music administrators. I look forward to more collaboration and sincerely hope for more great things happening at the MSU College of Music.”

MSU Professor and Chair of the Piano Area Deborah Moriarty concurs that Zhe Tang’s visit presented a wonderful opportunity for MSU students and for new and expanded venues for collaboration between the two schools.

“It is always exciting for our students to participate in master classes,” says Moriarty. “Dr. Zhe Tang is extremely knowledgeable and was extraordinarily generous with both his time and energy working with each student very carefully and thoroughly. It is clear from his visit here why he is acknowledged to be one of the top teachers in China. We enthusiastically look forward to a future of collaboration with Dr. Zhe Tang and the Shanghai Conservatory.”