Trinity Laban recently welcomed participants from across China for the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) China Professional Development Piano Course 2026, marking the second year of a growing partnership between Trinity Laban and EPTA China.
The intensive week-long programme, coordinated by Dongyang Yu, Executive Secretary of EPTA China, combined piano performance, pedagogy and musician wellbeing, offering participants a rich schedule of classes led by Trinity Laban’s distinguished faculty and guest artists.
A highlight of the course was the Professors’ Recital, featuring performances from Douglas Finch, Bobby Chen and Mikhail Kazakevich. The concert opened with the premiere of Finch’s newly composed Piano Concerto No. 2, performed by Finch and Chen.
Alongside piano-focused studies, participants took part in daily movement classes designed to support healthy and expressive musicianship. Sessions included yoga, Laban dance technique, Dalcroze Eurhythmics and Feldenkrais, encouraging a holistic approach to performance and teaching.
The academic programme featured piano technique and piano pedagogy classes delivered by leading professors, including Dr Ji Liu, Trinity Laban’s Head of Piano and Keyboard; Penelope Roskell, Chair of EPTA UK; Elena Riu, Douglas Finch, Dr Dave Camlin, Grace Carter and Mikhail Kazakevich.
The course concluded with a Participant Sharing Concert centred on the theme “Pieces Beyond the Syllabus”, offering performers an opportunity to explore a diverse range of repertoire and share their musical discoveries with fellow participants and audiences.
Looking ahead, the partnership continues to strengthen international connections within the piano teaching community.
Dongyang Yu said: “We are very grateful to Trinity Laban for hosting us. The teachers from China enjoyed a full and varied week. It was a valuable experience, and we hope there will be more opportunities for exchange the next year.”
The 49th International EPTA Conference will be hosted by EPTA UK and take place in August 2027, bringing together piano educators, performers and researchers from around the world.