The fruits of a year of dedicated practice and concentration were on full display last week during the Yew Chung International School of Beijing’s Primary School Violin Concert. Students in Years 1-3 performed a variety of pieces with their homeroom classes, striking beautiful notes in (relatively) perfect harmony! For a few select students especially committed to their violin studies, the concert was also an opportunity to showcase their talents through solo performances. 

Check out a clip from this year's concert on our YouTube channel!

As parents of Yew Chung International School of Beijing Primary School students will undoubtedly already know, the Years 1-3 Violin Programme is a staple of the school’s vibrant Arts and Music programme. A selection of experts from our Performing Arts Department, including Head of Performing Arts Daniel Pearton, Violin Specialists Cindy Guo and Ai Li, and Primary Music Teacher Anne Dwyer, explained the reasoning behind this focus on violin study at such an early age as well as the benefits that it brings to students.

At the heart of the Yew Chung Education Foundation’s belief in a holistic education model sits music and the performing arts. Dr. Betty Chan saw the impact that music has on the brain development of young people and consequently introduced this program into every Yew Chung International School Primary School. The program has been in place at YCIS Beijing for over 10 years. During this time, it has been led and developed by Cindy Guo and Ai Li, who are both violin specialists.

Music programmes help develop a range of skills that are relevant to all students. Through playing, singing, composing, performing, listening, and responding to music, students develop skills that are important for social and academic development. As well as developing musical skills, the program is very important for the development of fine motor skills for our younger students.

Through violin classes, students develop the discipline associated with mastering a musical instrument and the skills associated with performing. When learning and playing with others, they need to develop their collaborative skills as well as the ability to follow a conductor’s cues. We also know that students experience increased self-esteem from belonging to an ensemble or being involved in performance.

Want to know more about the Yew Chung International School of Beijing Primary School experience? Check out our page on our innovative Learning Communities.