Unlocking the door to art: A semester of artistic discovery and aesthetic transformation

Have you ever imagined yourself stepping onto a state, your hands trembling with nerves, the unfamiliarity of musical instruments still fresh in your mind. Yet, after 16 weeks of dedicated learning and practice, you stand confidently before an audience, captivating the entire audience. At Zhejiang University, teachers and students alike, united by the Opening the Door to Art serial courses, shared the state, unveiling a semester of artistic exploration and aesthetic discovery.

This spectacular concert was part of the university’s general education program in aesthetic education, co-organized by the Undergraduate School and the Department of Physical Education and Arts. All performers were non-major students who shared the stage with their instructors, creating harmonious melodies. The Opening the Door to Art series spanned various artistic disciplines, including instrumental music, vocal performance, drama, recitation, calligraphy, and painting. It embodies Zhejiang University’s innovative approach to aesthetic education, offering students a vibrant platform to display their talents through live performances and exhibitions, immersing them in the enchanting world of art.

“We began planning this concert back in May,” said ZHOU Cong, the concert’s director and instructor of the Art of Violin course. “Our goal was to make it more than just a showcase of performance skills. We wanted it to be an opportunity for students to step onto the stage, completing their musical journey and achieving the ultimate goal of aesthetic education.”

The concert’s success was a testament to both the commitment of the instructors and the relentless efforts of the students. In the classroom, the teachers’ humorous teaching styles and rich experience ignited the students’ passion for art. Through diligent practice and exploration, the students drew inspiration in the world of art.

In XU Hao’s Opening the Door to Art – Saxophone course, he used creative “mini-games” to bridge the gap between students and the instrument. For instance, when students first started learning the saxophone, Xu had them place a piece of paper on a wall and use their breath to keep it from falling, helping them intuitively grasp airflow control. “After hands-on practice, I gained a clearer understanding of how to master saxophone techniques,” said MA Chikai, an engineering student from Qiushi College.

Reflecting on FANG Jiansen’s Opening the Door to Art – Pop Singing, SHU Wenzhuo, a mechanical engineering student, shared, “Mr. Fang simplified complex singing techniques, honing in on the most challenging or error-prone aspects. He patiently demonstrated both correct and incorrect methods, always engaging us with questions and solutions. The classroom atmosphere was relaxed, joyful, and highly motivating. Gradually, everyone felt brave enough to participate.”

For the students, this was both a remarkable opportunity and a personal challenge.

“This semester, I enrolled in the Art of Violin course,” said PANG Haoxuan, a Russian language major from the School of International Studies. “Ms. Zhou taught us music theory and various bowing techniques, guiding us through different pieces. After class, our group would reserve practice rooms to rehearse, helping each other fine-tune our posture and performance. While learning the violin, I also made many friends and built lasting friendships.”

Though their fingering may still be unpolished and their vocal control imperfect, their perseverance and passion for art earned them heartfelt applause from the audience. In that moment, they had unknowingly unlocked the door to art.

The Opening the Door to Art series sparked students’ love for music and fulfilled their innate quest for beauty. As Vice President WU Jian remarked at the concert’s opening, “Zhejiang University remains committed to student-centered growth, emphasizing aesthetic education and cultural enrichment. We weave aesthetic education into the entire talent development process, actively building a four-dimensional aesthetic education system and fostering a campus culture with Zhejiang University’s unique characteristics.” This is the very purpose behind the university’s art courses.

This year, the Opening the Door to Art series, along with other art courses, offered over 100 classes to approximately 5,000 students. Over the course of 16 weeks, many students, albeit with no previous exposure to music, learned artistic techniques under their teachers’ guidance. From initial nervousness to final confidence on stage, they cultivated a deep love for art, shaping their artistic perspectives. Aesthetic education has gradually become an inseparable part of their lives, enriching their journey at Zhejiang University.

Adapted and translated from the article written by TAN Shuai, JIN Sirui
Translator: FANG Fumin
Photo: LIN Qianxu, DING Zihan, Department of Physical Education and Arts
Editor: TIAN Minjie