Artistic Advisor

Since the undergraduate years, TAN was thoroughly trained in the teaching system of the Fundamental Theory of Plucked Instrument Techniques, created by Professor WANG Fandi. Based on the “tone as the core” theory, WANG’s persistent pursuit in the balance of techniques and artistry, and the traditional Chinese aesthetics, have had a profound impact on TAN. She has constantly studied and applied this system to her Sanxian music. Because of “her deepest understanding, substantial experience, and appropriate application,”** TAN is considered the best successor and promoter of WANG. In WANG Fandi Memorial Seminar 2018, TAN proposed the establishment of a WANG Fandi School research, and received positive responses from the participants.

Starting in 1984, Professor TAN spearheaded and organized the research and performance of the nearly lost classic Xiansuo Beikao (Reference Collection of String Music, compiled in 1814). She found Mr. Aisin Gioro • Yuhuan, the only successor of this xiansuo tradition, the 5th generation descendent of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Daoguang (1782-1850). With their hard work for over a decade, Prof. TAN re-notated the Sanxian parts of the 13 ensemble suites found in the ancient scores of Xiansuo Beikao, and performed the collection live in its entirety with three other musicians at the 13 Xiansuo Suites Concert in 1986 and 2009.This project won a great deal of attention nationally and internationally, as it saved a cultural treasure from extinction and filled in a blank in traditional Chinese music history.

As a virtuoso, educator and music theoretician, Prof. TAN has held over 30 solo concerts in China in recent years, in addition to almost a hundred performances of works ranging from traditional to modern in various formats all over the world. Prof. TAN has been diligently researching and executing Sanxian education theories. She authored a large quantity of études and teaching material, in addition to over 40 publications, academic essays, music reviews and translations. Teaching students in accordance with their aptitude has achieved “100% success in teaching” per Master Wang Fandi. Because her students have mastered the scientific method of playing, they have avoided physical problems in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, spine and lower back, which commonly plagued many professionals. As a graduate level advisor on the performance and thesis writing for multiple instruments, she has mentored many talented students who later work in music schools, conservatories, and performing arts groups all over the country.

Note:
*The highest teaching position in a music conservatory is the second class professor in China. The first class professors are generally the greatest academicians in science; there are only very few in social sciences and humanitine in music and arts.
** By WANG Findi’s wife ZHANG Xianling.

The 5th generation descendent of Emperor Daoguang of the Qing dynasty Mr. Yuhuan preserved some extremely valuable Xiansuo Beikao music and passed down to Prof. TAN in 1986.

Curtain call after presenting Xiansuo Beikao-Gyrfalcon in the 4th Aimusic Festival Closing Ceremony in San Jose California Theater on May 4, 2019.

Invitation letter from Aimusic