Ms Yang, you have headed the German School of Music Weimar (GSMW) since 1 March 2008. How did this come about?
For 27 years I studied, played and taught in Vienna, but my most ardent desire was always to spread German music in Korea. During that time I was occasionally in Korea for concerts and master classes. When I saw the job advertisement, I applied straight away, and luckily, I was chosen.
What is your initial assessment?
My predecessor was a professor of business studies which meant he couldn’t help much in questions surrounding music. What’s more, he didn’t speak German, and that led to communications difficulties – an unfortunate situation. As a musician I find it easier to put the basic ideas of a German music university into practice in Korea.
The school has 50 students at the moment and room for more. What are your aims for the future?
It’s true that some of the instrument classes are not full to capacity. That’s partly because there hasn’t been much publicity yet. We want to improve this in the future. But just recently, many of the places were quickly filled following the entrance exams.
Why are Korean applicants particularly attracted to the idea of studying at the German School of Music Weimar?
Music teaching in Korea is strongly influenced by American methods, because most of the musicians and professors have studied in America. But now the “original” from Germany is gaining influence, and the German School of Music Weimar will benefit from this trend.
What do you think are the main differences between musical education in Korea and Germany?
To be honest, young Korean musicians lack solid foundations in their education and training. Apart from that, there are too few specialists in early music teaching. These gaps are hard to fill. In contrast, German music teaching fosters individual development and provides more intense insights into the fundamental elements of music. It also lays great emphasis on the living sound. All this turns music into an experience!
The school was founded in 2005. When will the first students graduate? And what are their professional prospects?
The first students graduated this spring. Almost all of them are currently living in the German-speaking area and continuing their studies. There they have the opportunity to be soloists, orchestra members or teachers in the music sector.
So far you have had a meteoric career. What are your personal aspirations?
I would like to concentrate even more as a pianist on spreading German classical music especially in Asian countries. Concerts are planned in the near future in Korea, Thailand and Japan.
Interview by Martin Orth
