A graduating senior studying piano performance in the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD), Yuhan Wei is nearing the end of her time as a Grizzly. Completing one of the final steps, she performed her senior recital containing more than an hour of memorized repertoire spanning five periods of classical music.
As a result of her dedication and perseverance, she has recently accepted a full scholarship offer to study at Baylor University with concert pianist Shijun Wang. Wei’s first encounter with Wang was in November at OU when he held a guest masterclass. His warm attitude was ultimately a deciding factor in choosing the Texas school.
At her recital, Wei performed Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 22 No. 11 in B-Flat major, Prokofiev’s Sonata Op 28. No. 3 in A minor, Rachmaninoff’s Etude-Tableau Op. 33 No. 9 in C# minor, Bach’s Prelude and Fugue No. 16 in G minor, BWV 861 and Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S514. These works were strategically selected to fulfill the necessary requirements for a master’s audition. While her audition preparation started approximately six months ago, she has played a few of the pieces for several years.
Winner of the 2023-2024 Concerto Competition and the 2026 Piano Area Competition, her accolades underscore her well-rounded piano education. Being able to transition from the delicate contrapuntal texture of Bach to the explosive virtuosity of Liszt demonstrates her attention to detail in each era.
While watching, it is apparent that Wei has received a well-rounded piano education. Being able to transition from the delicate contrapuntal texture of Bach to the explosive virtuosity of Liszt demonstrates her attention to detail in each era.
Under the guidance of Tian Tian, D.M.A., Wei began her studies at OU in the fall of 2022. Prior to that, she graduated from high school from the Wuhan Conservatory of Music. A native of Nanning, China, her lifelong dream of studying piano at the collegiate level came true when she was asked by Tian to attend OU.
Wei had mentioned that her father is the reason she began playing the instrument, teaching her at the age of six.
“He [her father] really loved piano and music, so he began training me when I was young,” Wei said. “That was around the time that I saw him and other pianists performing on stage. I was so inspired whenever I would watch.”
Wei’s ultimate goal is to pursue a career as a solo concert pianist. She has a deep passion for performing solo works and concertos, especially those by her two favorite composers, Chopin and Liszt. Practicing five to six hours a day on average, she has played incredibly advanced repertoire, including numerous Chopin and Rachmaninoff Etudes, Chopin’s Ballade No. 2, Ravel’s “Alborada del gracioso” and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
Wei graciously thanked Tian at her recital, in addition to I-Chen Yeh and Rebecca Happel — additional piano faculty — for their time and effort throughout her four years. Tian spoke very highly of Wei, praising her dedication to the program.
“It has been amazing to witness Yuhan’s growth in the past four years,” Tian said. “She is a pleasure to work with and is a valuable member of our program. I am confident that she is prepared for the next chapter of her life and will thrive at Baylor.”
Sure to be missed by all of her classmates, Wei will be remembered for her steadfast commitment to piano, for always being in the practice rooms, as well as being a dear friend to many.
“Dr. Tian first introduced me to Yuhan on the second day of school, and while she wasn’t in my classes the first semester, hearing her play in masterclass showed me the raw talent she is made of,” Tony Perez-Chavez said. “Ever since, I see her as the pinnacle of musicianship and hard work.”
