Notes of Passion: The Musical Journey of Award-Winning Young Pianist Yizhen Li

Yizhen Li, a young pianist from Shanghai, China, was awarded the Platinum Prize in both the Modern A (Under Age 17) Category and the Youth (Age 11–13) Category, as well as the Precision Virtuoso Special Award in the 2025 Season 3 World Exceptional Musicians Competition.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your music training journey, and your goals for the future in music?

I played the piano since I was 5 years old, "Since we’ve already had a piano in our

house anyhow, why don’t to learn it?” As my mother said. So at the first I just took the lessons from a piano institution nearby just for interest. My first piano teacher was a very nice lady, after 1 and a half year later, I made so much progress and she told me you should get another teacher. That made my mother started to take the piano thing seriously. I started to learn from the professor when I was 2 grade. She was almost 80 years old, but she was really professional and knew a lot about classic music. She created a piano school at 2001 when she retired from Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and she had so many talented students overseas nowadays. As I turned to 4 grade, she told me I should get a better teacher who is her good friend, Ms. Zhang. It have been 2 years since I learn from Ms. Zhang, I am so lucky I have met all great teachers. Ms. Zhang encouraged me to go to America to proceed my piano lesson when I turn to high school. I want to go to top Music University when I grow up. That will be not easy, I will try my best.

Could you tell us more about your award-winning piano performance? For instance, how did you prepare for it, bring it to life, or are there any interesting behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share?

I’ve practiced the TOCCATO since March, sorry there’s no interesting stories I can share. Ms. Zhang just picked this for me as I really like this style of music. I’m full of passion when I played it. I just love it!

What did a typical day of practice look like for you, and how did your family support your passion? How do you manage your time between training and schoolwork?

Chinese students really don’t have much time for practicing piano, there’s too much homework you know. Everyday I practice piano first about 2 hours, then I finish my homework. Luckily I did my homework quickly. By the way I am also playing classic guitar. You can see how busy I am!

My family are very support for my piano study, my grandfather is also a fan of classic music. He can play accordion, flute and classic guitar. Yes, he is very awesome. My parents always take me and my brother to the park on weekends because they think children should grow with nature.

Would you like to share your experience participating in World Exceptional Musicians Competition and anyone you'd like to thank ?

I am so excited for the competition because this is my first time to take international competition and I feel so horned the awards you gave me. I want to thank my teacher Ms. Zhang who is so professional and encourages me to have expectations for my future in music. Also I will thank my mother is always by me when I take piano lessons, when I go to stage, and always keep me company while I practice my piano.

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