Zhangyangzi (Yangzi) Qu

Education

MM, The Hartt School, University of Hartford

BM, Wuhan Conservatory of Music

Zhangyangzi Qu, a distinguished violist and a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) candidate at The Hartt School, epitomizes musical passion and dedication. Her formal education in viola performance began at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music, pursuing further excellence, she obtained her Master of Music in Viola

Performance at 2014 from The Hartt School, under the mentorship of esteemed violist and Principal Viola of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Professor Rita Porfiris, a relationship that continues to flourish in her current DMA studies.

Between her master’s and doctoral studies, Yangzi served as a violin and viola instructor at Jinggangshan University from 2015 to 2021. Her tenure there was marked by inspirational teaching and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Yangzi’s talents have earned her full scholarships to participate in prestigious music festivals such as the Texas Music Festival (TMF) and the Foulger International Music Festival. Her international acclaim was further solidified when she was invited to perform at the Lyon National Conservatory Music Festival in France in 2016. Additionally, she contributed to the publication of a violin performance textbook Violin Performance Pedagogy in 2020, tailored for students at vocational art colleges.

As a chamber musician, Yangzi has a vibrant history of collaboration. She won the 2nd prize of The Hartt School chamber music competition. Also, she was the violist of the Great Ocean Chamber Group in Wuhan, China, giving concert tour before she came back to the US. This prestigious ensemble is recognized for its dedication to both classical repertoires.

Yangzi’s current focus lies at the intersection of East-West musical integration, where she collaborates with emerging composers to explore the modern interpretation of traditional Chinese music. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; internationally renowned Chinese composers such as Professor Chen Yi has provided valuable guidance. Professor Chen Yi, entrusted Zhangyangzi with the premiere of a viola and percussion arrangement of her violin composition. Her engagement with East-West musical integration allows her to explore the depths of musical expression and to further her commitment to the cultural dialogue through music.

Teaching philosophy

Education is about assisting the educated individual in discovering their own abilities, completing their personality, and taking up the responsibility of contributing to human culture.