“Interest is the first step to gain the knowledge,” demonstrates that someone could devote

to one task with all his/her heart and soul once he/she becomes interested in it. Influenced by my

mother, who was fond of classical music, I started to learn it when I was five. I thought I would

stay in this field until I heard a jazz song named “My Favorite Things” from Bill Evans in the

senior high school, which was totally different from what I learned before. Compared with classical

music, Jazz music gave me “surprise” rather than “peace”, which aroused my real interest. Since

then, I chose to change my direction and devoted myself to jazz.

In senior high school, I learned some basic knowledge and skills from a professional

teacher. And later, based on my strong interest in jazz, I chose the major of Pop Music and

Instruments - piano in my university. During the past several years, I not only comprehensively

mastered the fundamental knowledge and skills on Jazz, but also cultivated the strong cultural

background through the courses like Pop Music History and Style, Chinese, and Western Classic

Legal Films Appreciation, Chinese Music History, etc. During my spare time, I often took part in

the activities held in and out of school, such as the music festival. Besides that, I also taught some

students piano, helping them to overcome the difficulties met in piano learning. I determined to

further study the advanced jazz piano skills and want to know more advanced knowledge of Jazz

music history and development.

Compared with other countries, the United States has original Jazz music and famous

musicians, so I expected to have the opportunity to study in the United States. I believe George

Mason University suits me because of several reasons. Firstly, the faculties in your department are

professional musicians who have years of performance experience. Secondly, the curriculum is

designed to help students dig out their potential and creation. All the courses and plans are used
for students to find their individual positions and career expectation, which is just what I want; the

various performance resources provided in this department will offer students many opportunities

to practice, which will help me learn more from other excellent students, teachers, and pianists.

When I finished the master’s degree, I plan to find a job in a philharmonic society and keep

learning and practicing enhancing my ability continuously I will apply the advanced theories and

skills I’ve learned to the jazz studies in practice. After several years’ experience, I would like to

go back to China and make a contribution to jazz development in China. I aim to become a

professional jazz pianist and establish my own training class to help more people who have a

passion for jazz studies.

In conclusion, I deeply understand that all the efforts I have made will contribute to my

goal realization. With this state of mind, I will handle my study and work easily, and my life would

become wonderful and meaningful while studying at George Mason University.