Title(s)Distinguished Professor, Artistic Adviser

Other Information

Biography

Ilja Scheps completed his studies at the Moscow "P. I. Tschaikowsky" Conservatory under Prof. Lev Vlassenko and Prof. Evgenij Schenderowitch.

From 1982 to 1992 I. Scheps was soloist of the Moscow Philharmonic Society. He gave concerts with orchestras and solo recitals and also appearing as accompanist of renowned singers and instrumentalists there. This resulted in his acquiring a large repertoire, including works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Skrjabin, Prokofjeff and Tschaikowsky, as well those by Schnittke, Silvestrov and Denisov.

At the same time I. Scheps taught at the Moscow “P. I. Tschaikowsky” Conservatory.

From 1992 I. Scheps lives in Germany. Besides his performing in many countries round of the world he is an enthusiastic pedagogue. Many years I. Scheps was a professor at the Rostock Music University and at the Darmstadt Music Academy.

Now he is a professor of the Musikhochschule in Cologne/Aachen (Cologne Music University). Students of Prof. Scheps are winner of important international piano competitions so as exclusive artists of “Sony” and “Universal” Records.

I. Scheps also conducts workshops and master classes at the international music academies and as a visiting professor in many universities all over the world and since 2017 Professor of Music Academy in Brescia (Italy).

Prof. Scheps was invited as a honour professor to give master classes in Beijing Central Conservatory as well Shanghai, Tianjin and Sichuan Conservatories of Music in China. Since more than ten years Prof. Scheps is visiting Professor in Shenzhen Arts School as well in Central Conservatory of Music Gulangyu Piano School in Xiamen.

Prof. Scheps is a jury member of some most important international piano competitions – Shenzhen Int. Piano Concerts Competition (China), “Top of the World” and “Grieg” Int. Piano Competition (Norway), “Chopin” Int. Piano Competition in Darmstadt (Germany), Int. Piano Competition in Madrid (Spain), Scriabin Int. Piano Competition in Grosseto (Italy) and many others.

Prof. I. Scheps is a Jury-Chairman of MOZARTE (former “Prix Amadeo”) International Piano Competition in Aachen (Germany).

Ilja Scheps has recorded more than 10 CDs with “MCA” (USA); “Le Chant du Monde” (France), “Melodia” (Russia), “Coriolan/Teldec”, “Deutsche Welle”, “ECM-Records” (Germany).

A baritone based in the United States, holds a number of esteemed positions:

President of the Shenzhen Vocal Music Association

Vice President of the Shenzhen Youth Musicians Association

Vice President of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Shenzhen Alumni Association

Distinguished young faculty at Shenzhen University

Acknowledged as an outstanding musician in Guangdong Province

Recipient of the "One Recommend One" music talent award in Guangdong Province

Honored with the "Star of the New Century" title in its 21st edition

Yang Yang was admitted to the Vocal and Opera Department of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 2001 based on exceptional artistic achievement, bypassing the academic entrance examination, and studied under Professor Chen Xing. In 2006, he earned a full scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in vocal music at the Bard Conservatory of Music in New York, where he studied under Edith Bers, the head of the Vocal Arts Department at the Juilliard School. In 2008, he won first place for baritone at the Aspen Music Festival Vocal Competition.

Since 2012, Yang has been a faculty member at Shenzhen University's Music Department. He has frequently represented Shenzhen in significant international performances and cultural exchanges. Yang has conducted numerous solo concerts and lectures in the United States, Singapore, and elsewhere. He has also collaborated extensively with renowned orchestras, including the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, and the Pearl River Symphony Orchestra.

Faculty Information

Department(s)DCs and Directors, Performing Arts DepartmentTitle(s)VMAA Director, VMA&VMAA Performing Arts Department Chair

Other Information

BiographyBachelor of Arts, Music Education, Shenzhen University

Ms. Jia had got high passion of music career, who was experienced in musical performing. She had worked as the director of vocal music of the original Musical “The Place Where Your Dream Starts” in Shenzhen University and won the Special Prize of DIMF (2015), and 3rd place in China TN of Asian Song Festival. She was also invited for recording the CCTV “Sing for China” concert. She was professional as well as versatile. She had been the director of music, vocal tutor and the lead singer of original musicals “Perspicacity” and “Purify Theory”. The musical “Far from Hometown” which was co-produced and recorded by Jia had won the Gold Award of the 4th Shenzhen Immigration Culture Festival and the Performance Award of Shenzhen Creative Dancing competition, etc.

Master：She has a double master's degree in Central Conservatory of Music Piano and chamber music

Department(s)DCs and Directors, VMAATitle(s)Academic Course Head, Music Teacher

Other Information

Biography

Bachelor of Music, Music Composition, University of Texas, Tyler
Associates of Arts, Music Composition, Collin College

Mr. Francis first graduated from Collin College in Plano, TX with an Associates Degree in Music focusing on composition and minoring in piano. At this school he studied composition under Dr. Christopher Morgan, and piano under Zhou Xiaolan. He then studied music composition at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX for one year, while continuing piano lessons under Ms. Zhou, before transferring to the University of Texas, Tyler where he majored in composition, studying under Dr. Brian Bondari and Dr. Kyle Gullings, with piano lessons from Ms. Vicki Conway. It is at the University of Texas, Tyler that Colton graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors

of Music in Music Composition.

Mr.Francis is a bi-lingual (English and Mandarin) educator who from 2012 to 2018 taught music theory, music composition, and aural skills at Lang Lang’s personal piano school, Lang Lang Music World, where he developed new game-based methods for teaching theory to young musicians. Since 2018, he is stationed at the Vanke Meisha Arts Academy for professional musicians teaching music composition, music theory, and music history. His composition students have been accepted into such prestigious schools as Juilliard, Eastman, Peabody Institute, Mannes School of Music,San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Manhattan school of music.

As a composer, numerous solo and small ensemble pieces have been performed by members of the Longview Symphony Orchestra, while also composing commercial and game music for some of China’s largest companies – such as Double Happiness and Tencent. Additionally, his award winning musical, The Beard Clan’s Secret Treasure, performed to sold-out audiences in Shenzhen’s Baoli theatre and Children’s Palace theatre.Since 2020 he has been composer in residence for the Trout Piano Quartet, responsible for composing original works for the chamber group as well as making chamber arrangements from other popular and Classical works.His pieces have been premiered in a number of top concert halls throughout all of mainland China including the Shenzhen Concert Hall, Shenzhen Baoli Theatre, Shanghai City Theatre, Shanghai Daning Theatre, Beijing National Arts Center, and many more.

Master's degree: London Conservatory of Music, UK
Bachelor's degree: New England Conservatory of Music

Young pianist, piano examiner for the social and artistic level examination of the Chinese Musicians Association, member of the Guangdong Musicians Association, official certification translator for the London Conservatory of Music (LCM) in the UK, and member of the Shenzhen Mass Culture Society. He also participated in the first Shenzhen Piano Music Festival and the ninth Shenzhen Piano Music Season. Graduated from the Master's degree in Performance at the London Conservatory of Music and the Classical Piano Performance program at the New England Conservatory of Music in the United States, under the guidance of renowned pianist and educator Professor Liu Mengjie, as well as the Russian master Professor Natasa Sarcevic. During the study period, I received guidance from experts such as pianists and musicians from various countries who visited China multiple times, and also received guidance from experts such as Master Liu Shikun, Mr. Tan Dun, Professor Boris Bellman, and Professor Huang Yilun. Served as a judge for the "Cardanza" Cup Piano Competition and the Asian International Youth Piano Invitational. I once participated in the "Special Concert Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of Chopin's Birthday" organized by the Polish Embassy at the invitation of the Russian Embassy. I have been invited to collaborate with multiple orchestras including the Polish National Symphony Orchestra, Shenzhen Philharmonic Orchestra, and New England Chamber Orchestra in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Russia. He has performed in famous concert halls such as the Great Hall of the People, Helutin Concert Hall, Guangzhou Grand Theater, Shenzhen Concert Hall, Jordan Concert Hall, and has collaborated with multiple orchestras such as the Polish National Symphony Orchestra, Shenzhen Philharmonic Orchestra, and New England Chamber Orchestra.

Diploma of Performer, Russia Glinka State Conservatory of Music

Master: Russia Glinka State Conservatory of Music, Vocal Performance and Music Education, Bachelor: Guangzhou Xinghai Conservatory of Music/Russia Glinka State Conservatory of Music.

Membership of Shenzhen Musicians Association; Membership of Shenzhen Singers Association; With Senior High Cchool Teacher Qualification Certificate and College Teacher Qualification Certificate.

Ms.Martina Ma has more than 15 years of singing performance experience and more than 10 years of vocal music teaching experience. After returning to China, she was a music teacher in Shenzhen Radio and Television University. She once served as the head of the female Mezzo-Soprano of Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra and performed as a soloist in concerts sponsored by Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. She once performed in the Philharmonie in Paris, the Golden Hall of Vienna, the Grand National Theatre, the Guangzhou Opera House and so on.

During the teaching period in Vanke Meisha Academy, her students won the first prize of vocal group in the 2016 Hong Kong Youth Balinpur International Music Festival; the Bronze Prize of Junior Group B of the 2021 German Philharmonic Music Competition China ; the first place of the the children's group of pop vocal music in the 2023 the 10th Hong Kong International Music Festival; the second place of the young professional opera aria group in 2023 AIMA American International Vocal Competition. 

Ms. Martina Ma was awarded the Bole Vocal Music Teacher title by the Hong Kong Balinpur International Music Festival and the Outstanding Instructor Award by the American International Music and Arts Association. Her students have been accepted by Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute, Manhattan School of Music, University of Southern California, Michigan State University, Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee, the Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and other well-known overseas music institutions.

Mr. Liu Weipeng graduated successively from Indiana University and Yale University, where he studied under renowned cellists Janos Starker and Aldo Parisot. He has served as principal cellist of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Invited to numerous prestigious music festivals, including the Lazlo Varga Celebration and the Fullerton Cello Festival in California, USA, he was awarded full scholarships in both 2011 and 2012 to attend the Aspen Music Festival, where he also led the opera orchestra as principal. From the 2016-2019 season, he held the position of Assistant Principal Cellist at the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra.

Master's degree: Yale University School of Music
Bachelor's degree: Manhattan Conservatory of Music

Teacher Li Yang completed his high school education at Purcell School in the UK in 2009 as a gifted child at the Royal Academy of Music, under the guidance of viola professor Ian Jewel. In 2011, he was awarded a scholarship to pursue his undergraduate degree at the Manhattan Conservatory of Music in New York. He studied under renowned educator Patinka Kopec, the teaching assistant of Pinchas Zukerman. During his time at school, he was invited to participate in various art festivals and received multiple awards, including the Lilian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition and the Zukerman Young Artist Program Youth Artist Festival in Ottawa, Canada. In 2015, he entered the Yale School of Music with a full scholarship to pursue a master's degree under the guidance of Italian performer Ettore Causa. In 2017, he was admitted to Stony Brook University in New York with a full scholarship and teaching assistant qualification to pursue a doctoral degree, under the guidance of violist Nick Cord from the Silk Road Orchestra led by Yo Ma and Lawrence Dutton from the Emerson String Quartet. During this period, the self composed quartet was selected for the Emerson String Quartert Institute and personally guided by four teachers including Emerson. In the same year, he was invited by the top ranked symphony orchestra in Latin America, Orquesta Filarm ó nica de Jalisco, to perform as a guest viola vice principal with the orchestra. Later, as a violist, he officially signed a contract with the orchestra.

Master of Fine Arts, Painting and Drawing, University of Missouri, Missouri, U.S.A.
Bachelor of Arts, Oil Painting, Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, China

Ms. Lin is a visual arts educator, as well as a professional artist, with a MFA degree in painting and drawing and diverse teaching experiences in a wide range and level of art classes in both China and the United States for over 5 years. She taught painting, drawing and 2-D design courses at the University of Missouri from 2012-2013. She helped students prepare art portfolios for U.S./U.K. art and design college admission and many of her students are accepted to prestigious institutes including Parsons, Pratt, Royal College of Art, University of the Arts London, School of Visual Arts, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, etc. Additionally, she had more than three years of gallery work experience. She highly values diverse experiences, perspectives, and opinions.

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from St. Thomas University

I have studied fashion design related certification courses at Parsons School of Design in New York and Central St. Martin's College in London

Teacher Louie loves art and fashion, and he believes that these two are inseparable. In the winter of 2017, Teacher Louie made her debut at New York Fashion Week and then set up an exhibition at Shenzhen Fashion Week. He has provided design for Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and the United States for 15 consecutive years, and is currently building his own product line.

Master's degree in Practical Arts at the University of Sydney, Australia
Bachelor's degree in Animation at Guangzhou University

As an art education practitioner and concept artist, I have been working in Australia and China for 9 years, traveling to over 100 cities in more than 10 countries worldwide. In 2010, I began studying concept art and audio-visual media, and I am an imaginative mobile image designer. The educational philosophy advocates individualized teaching and is committed to cultivating artistic and innovative talents. With a solid foundation in new media, I am skilled in visual design, story creation, film photography, and conceptual art. At the same time, I am proficient in innovative design and possess cutting-edge experience in art education practice.

Graduated the University of Hertfordshire with a BA Degree in Image-making and Design.

Worked for two years in industry in London at publishing houses.

Studied Scenic Art and Design at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, passing with Honours. Then worked on-stage and in the paint studios of The Royal Opera House, The Royal National Theatre, and the Colliseum (English National Ballet) all in London.

Grtaduated with a PGCE in Education at the University of Greenwich.

Previously taught IBDP Visual Arts at schools in Tokyo and Fukuyama, Japan and Cambridge International Art and Design in Shenzhen, China.

Michael was born and grew up in West London, England. He has a background in CAD and holds a BSc in Product Design Engineering. Before moving to China, He worked on the VMR project for a major engineering company in London, later becoming a Design Engineer. Michael can communicate in Chinese and has over twelve years of experience in China. He taught design, development, visual arts, and lens-based media for an international program at a university in Hunan for 10 years. External verification was set respectively by Pearson Edexcel and the UK and New Zealand Degree programs.

Shenzhen Institute of Technology Design Department

Mr. Lin loves traditional wood technology. He has professional wood skills and educational demonstration experience. Mr. Lin aims to cultivate students’ observation ability, let students fully participate in wood's work and finish Wood Arts safely.

Master of Education Curriculum Design at the Education University of Hong Kong
Bachelor's degree in Art and Design from Beijing Institute of Printing

With 7 years of experience in visual arts teaching, I am a global IBDP art examiner and have won multiple global design competitions. I have also won the gold medal in the first Bauhaus Award international design competition's academic group, and my works have been permanently collected by relevant institutions. Students engage in project-based unit courses, including group discussions, brainstorming, mind mapping, design sketches, learning and research, continuous optimization, elaboration of creative concepts, and reflection and summary.
With one year of work experience in a public high school in Australia, I organized Australian students to perform Chinese tea art and traditional Chinese culture projects together, and registered in local newspapers to obtain a certificate of appreciation from the local government, establishing a Chinese culture curriculum system.