CIM Strengthens Relationships in China

In mid-November, Head of Piano and Keyboard Kathryn Brown, Co-Head of Cello Melissa Kraut and piano faculty Antonio Pompa-Baldi traveled to Shanghai, China, with CIM President and CEO Paul W. Hogle. The CIM faculty members met students, gave master classes and performed at the middle school – which is known internationally for its pre-conservatory musical training – affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music as part of the Shanghai Baroque Festival.

Pompa-Baldi said: “Performing for an audience of students and teachers who came from all over China and Europe was exciting, and teaching talented students was a treat. The area where the school is located has a distinct European character and charm, in the architectural features of the school itself, and in the whole neighborhood. I truly enjoyed that!”

Kraut added: “I met students and cello professors from all over China, connected with parents of some of my CIM students and experienced the incredible culture (and food) of the area! I look forward to returning.”

After Shanghai, President Hogle continued on to Shenzhen, which is perhaps best known as the “Silicon Valley” of China. This was Hogle’s second visit, focused on developing a friendship with the Shenzhen Arts School (SAS), which provides arts-centered education in traditional Chinese and Western music, dance and acrobatics. 

One of the hallmarks of a CIM education is the study of Eurhythmics, which develops ones natural instinct for rhythm through body movement. The faculty at SAS recognize this as an opportunity for their students: that Eurhythmics training can improve their skills today and help prepare them for a conservatory education and performing career.

To that end, one of the points of memorandum of understanding signed by Hogle and SAS Principal Huang Qicheng centers on this study. CIM will provide Eurhythmics training to SAS students via virtual or distance learning – the same technology CIM uses to deliver general music education to classrooms in Ohio, the country and around the world.

The other areas where CIM and SAS will work together are to establish a regular exchange of faculty and students, and for SAS to be an audition site for CIM.