Yaoxuan Yu

My journey into the realm of music began at the tender age of six when I received my first piano as a birthday gift. Born in a musical family, the music and piano are like parts of my life. It can be said that I cannot live without music. The piano not just spark a passion but architect a lifelong voyage in the pursuit of musical excellence and understanding.

The first time I performed on stage was when I was about 7 years old. At that time, I had no experience at all, when I stood on stage and looked at the audience, I felt excited and definitely very nervous. But after the performance, I had a strong sense of satisfaction and achievement. After four years of learning and practicing, I passed the Diploma Exam from the Royal Academy of Music，and one year later, I received the offer from Tianjin Juilliard School. Since then, I made a decision to play piano as my career. In Tianjin Juilliard，one of the most experienced teacher Dr. Hsiao became my tutor and helped me a lot in how we make the natural and expressive sound. In 2021, I also got the admission from the China Conservatory of Music.

I feel very fortunate to have been guided and supported by my mother and teachers along this journey. In my mother's opinion, participating in various competitions means stronger stage performance skills, broadened horizons, enhanced confidence, and more opportunities for communication and learning. Before 2020, as someone whose piano skills were not yet mature, I participated in the Hong Kong Asian Piano Competition Hong Kong Finals (2015) and won the Children's Group A Second Prize; in 2019 Cannes Junior Contest，I have won the Children Group D 1st Prize；in 2020 Second "Huayi Cup" Beijing International Youth Piano Art Week National Finals, I won the Children's Group B Gold Award； in the same year, I went to attend Mozart International Music Competition in Berlin and ultimately won the Children's Group C First Prize. Since the last year of elementary school, I have put in more effort into piano practice. in 2021，I won the third prize of professional group I in the final of the Pearl River kayserburg International Youth piano Competition; in 2022 Won the third place in the Junior Group of the "Hope Cup" Piano Competition of the Affiliated Middle School of China Conservatory of Music; in 2023, I won the third prize of Professional Group A in the 11th Steinway National Youth Piano Competition.In 2025, I was selected for the High - caliber Talent Program of China Conservatory of Music.

In the summer of 2023, I am fortunate enough to meet my most important mentor, Chu-fang Huang, a highly accomplished and uniquely individualistic pianist. Her performance conveys strong emotional resonance, as if telling a vivid story. She was like a beacon of light, guiding me towards my path and leaving a profound impact on me. With her vast knowledge of music and unique teaching perspective, she guided me to break free from traditional constraints and explore the endless possibilities of sound in music. She taught me a new touch method, which was not just a simple change in finger movements on the keys, but a deep reshaping of musical expression. Every touch felt like a soulful conversation with the piano, allowing me to delicately capture the emotions and depth of music. I began to realize that music is a powerful force that transcends cultures and languages. Learning to understand the cultural heritage and universal human emotions behind music, and striving for a higher level of musical achievement.

Piano performance, to me, is not merely a profession, but a perpetual arena of learning and growth. This belief has driven me to constantly seek new compositions, delve into innovative performance methodologies, and engage in introspection and critical analysis. These activities fuel my passion and ensure the vibrancy of my artistry.

My piano odyssey has also been marked by the opportunity to attend some international summer schools and music festivals in different countries including ‘Piano Week at the Royal College of Music' (2015); ‘Philadelphia International Music Festival’ (2016); ‘Musikhochschule Lübeck Summer Camp’ (Germany), 'The Royal Conservatory of Canada Summer Camp’, Nancy Music Festival (France), palmetto piano festival and Boston University Tanglewood Institute. These platforms reach students and teachers globally, allowing me to share my passion for music with a wider audience, and importantly, it taught me the value of adaptability and innovation in piano performance.

I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your community of talented musicians and scholars next year and I appreciate for your patience on this matter