Click the link to view the full version: WASCZ | Secures Direct Admission to RNCM, Embarking on Her Romantic Music Journey
Royal Northern College of Music
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM)
Founded in 1973, the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is a world-renowned institution and a member of the ABRSM. RNCM has been recognised by the UK Department of Education as one of the top performing music colleges in the country, offering both academic excellence and artistic development.
Romantic music, born in the early nineteenth century, captivates with its intense emotional depth, vibrant musical colours, and dramatic expressiveness. It resonates deeply with T. Zhang, becoming the musical path she is determined to pursue.
Her seven-year musical journey at WASCZ mirrors a living Romantic composition. Confident and bold, passionate and determined, she found her space for free expression, building a bridge to courageously pursue her dreams. The piano keys carry her fiery love for music, playing the overture to her future at the world’s top conservatories.
T. Zhang’s piano teacher, Ms Liu, became a guiding light on her musical journey. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Ms Liu has over thirty years of teaching experience and has mentored countless students who have gone on to prestigious international conservatories. In her teaching, Ms Liu went beyond merely imparting technical skills. She guided T. Zhang to delve beneath the surface of the notes, exploring the soul of each composition. “She helped me deeply understand the background and emotional expression of every piece, then guided me to internalise this understanding and translate it into my own musical expression,” T. Zhang says with deep gratitude. From refining her portfolio to preparing for interviews, from regular guidance to recording for second-round auditions, Ms Liu’s unwavering support has allowed T. Zhang to walk her musical path with confidence.
If Ms Liu’s mentorship helped T. Zhang transform from “imitation” to “expression,” then WASCZ’s small-class teaching and personalised approach provided her with the opportunity to constantly push her boundaries. “The teachers pour their attention into each student, guiding us step by step from theory to practical application, helping us complete our projects,” T. Zhang explains.
This tailored, focused attention ignited T. Zhang’s passion for creative expression. In her beloved Music Technology class, she began experimenting with her own compositions, sharing her arrangements with her teachers for professional feedback. The atmosphere of respect for creativity further nurtured her musical talents and provided new ways for her to express herself beyond the piano.
Under the careful nurturing of her mentors, T. Zhang’s musical talent began to shine through. Her remarkable achievements in international piano competitions and her experiences in national contests became milestones in her journey of growth. One of the most memorable moments was the 2025 Wycombe Abbey Cultural Festival. Competing against over 300 talented students from across the country, T. Zhang won the coveted grand prize. However, what she values most is the reflection and self-assessment that came from observing the performances of others, which deepened her understanding of music and elevated her artistic expression to new heights.
Bach’s Prelude & Fugue in C Major, BWV 870, with its rational precision; Mozart’s Sonata No. 9 in D Major, K. 331, with its classical harmony; Debussy’s Toccata, with its vibrant colours; and Granados’ Allegro de Concierto in C-sharp Major, with its passionate exuberance — this carefully curated selection, spanning classical and romantic styles, was designed by T. Zhang to test not only her technical skills but also her ability to seamlessly transition between contrasting pieces, managing both the flow of the music and its emotional shifts.
“Transitioning naturally between pieces of such different styles was the biggest challenge in my live interview,” T. Zhang admits. Under the guidance of Ms Liu, she repeatedly refined the connections between musical phrases. She also watched numerous performances by different pianists, analysing their interpretations to draw inspiration and continuously developing her own musical voice.
However, when she arrived at the interview, T. Zhang realised that the interviewers from the top music institutions weren’t just assessing her technical ability; they were more focused on her personal understanding of music and her independent thinking. “They would ask why I chose to arrange the pieces in that particular order, and what my intentions were with certain passages,” T. Zhang recalls. This emphasis on independent thought aligned perfectly with Wycombe Abbey’s holistic education–which encourages students to explore, express their own views, and move beyond the standard answers often imposed elsewhere. This critical thinking, nurtured at WASCZ, allowed T. Zhang to confidently answer questions during the interview, setting her apart from other candidates and ultimately earning her an offer from the Royal Northern College of Music.
From mechanical practice in her early years to truly understanding the emotional flow within melodies, T. Zhang’s musical journey has been one of growing passion and unwavering dedication to her craft. Today, music has become the bridge through which she communicates with the world and engages in self-reflection. “I can foresee that music will accompany me for the rest of my life,” T. Zhang says, her eyes shining with certainty.
Here, her passions found countless outlets. “On Tuesdays, there’s sinfonia rehearsal; Wednesdays are for percussion ensemble; Thursdays for wind band; and then there are drama ECA…” T. Zhang counts on her fingers, recalling her busy schedule. The rich environment at WASCZ allowed her to find like-minded peers, and her passion resonated in ensemble performances and was elevated through collaboration.
Beyond the practice rooms and rehearsal halls, T. Zhang could also be found on the sports fields–football, rugby, basketball, frisbee, floorball, badminton… She practically experienced every sport available at WASCZ. During the stressful application season, the body balance and yoga courses helped her find a way to manage both body and mind. “The teachers teach you how to balance your studies and life. For example, when stress is high, you can create a sleep schedule to help you rest better,” T. Zhang explains. These experiences allowed her to maintain a positive mindset and face challenges head-on, even under the pressure of university applications.
Seven years have transformed the once-shy girl into a determined, responsible leader. Whether as a Prefect, Head of House, or as the leader leading her House Unison team for three consecutive years, each role subtly shaped her unique character and leadership style.
“These experiences have truly taught me how to communicate and listen, understand the different needs within a team, and collaborate effectively,” T. Zhang reflects. For her, leadership is not about giving orders; it’s about building trust through listening and moving forward together through collaboration.
At the time, T. Zhang had already secured a direct offer from the RNCM, yet she was still preparing for the final push towards the Royal Academy of Music — a dream institution for nearly every music student. However, regardless of the outcome, the seven years of growth at WASCZ had already gifted her with a lifelong treasure: the unwavering passion cultivated through progress, the courage accumulated through experimentation, and the self-expression that blossomed through challenges.
At WASCZ, the holistic education never shaped her into a single, one-size-fits-all vision of “excellence.” Instead, it nurtured her inherent love for music, guiding her to continuously surpass herself through exploration. Her musical journey was never a solitary pursuit; it was a life’s melody unfolding gradually, shaped by the guidance of mentors, the resonance of peers, and multidimensional growth.
May she set sail with confidence here, chasing her romantic music dream, which will be a future filled with passionate freedom, vibrant colours, and limitless surprises.
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