Yafen Zhu

Yafen Zhu was born in Shanghai and graduated from the Piano Department of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. From 1953 to 1956, she toured as concert artist with the Chinese Artists’ Group to twelve European countries. After returning to China, she was appointed pianist to the Orchestra of the Liaoning Opera Company and appeared in solo performances, chamber music appearances as well as orchestra concerts. From 1978 to 1989, she served as Professor of Piano in the Shenyang Conservatory of Music and was Chairman of the Piano Department from 1981 to 1986.

Yafen Zhu was the first pianist in China to release a videotape series entitled “Lectures on Piano Teaching” in 1989. In 1992, she translated and assisted in the publication of the Chinese edition of the well-known book “The Pianist’s Guide to Pedaling” by American pianist Joseph Banowetz. In 1991-1992 and again in 1998, she lectured on “Chinese Piano Music” and “Piano Teaching in China” in seven colleges and universities throughout the United States.

As one of the most sought-after teachers of piano in China, she is in frequent demand for giving lectures and master classes throughout her native country. She is also frequently contracted to serve as a member of national and international juries of many piano competitions. She is a regular contributor and member of the editorial board of “Piano Artistry,” the National Piano Journal of China.

Currently, Professor Zhu resides in Beijing, China where she is Professor of Piano in the Music Department of Xu Bei Hong Art Institute, China Renmin University.

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