Former Yale dean shows his passion for China as visit helps him find a new rhythm, Chen Nan reports.

It was a warm evening in August in 1995.

Robert Blocker was driving to Yale University after being appointed as the university's Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music.

He didn't expect to see many people, but a couple of students met him and showed him around.

"When I looked at the history of the university and how people invested in the school's art programs, I was humbled by the chance to work there. I could not wait for the next day to start my job," says Blocker in an interview with China Daily.

"And that thrill never changed because every day was different. My job as dean was not scheduled. I walked around the campus and students talked to me. I went to rehearsals by the students and teachers and got inspired by them," he adds.

After nearly three decades as the Henry and Lucy Moses Dean of Music at Yale, the 77-year-old retired from the position on Aug 31.

Also an accomplished pianist, he remains on the faculty as professor of piano at the music school, as well as professor of leadership strategies at Yale School of Management.

Among his immense contributions as dean, Blocker developed long-term relationships with fellow musicians in China.

From Oct 23 to Nov 9, he toured cities, including Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou, giving recitals and master classes.

"China is a very special place for me. I am very happy to be back after the pandemic to meet my friends and colleagues," Blocker says, adding that he is particularly excited about being with young students.

During one of his recitals on Oct 27, Blocker performed at the 11th Shenzhen Piano Music Festival, playing pieces, such as sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti, Schubert's Piano Sonata No 4 in A Minor, D 537, and selections from Beethoven's Bagatelles, Op 119.

"I noticed changes to Shenzhen, with new buildings coming up. It's the same thing happening to Shanghai, new art centers and new growth. People come out to enjoy vibrant music," he says, noting that the tour mainly covered the southern part of China and he hopes to tour the north of the country soon, including Beijing and Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

Yang Suxian, director of the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival, which was first launched in 2013, says: "He has been very supportive and has participated in the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival for years, even during the pandemic.

"He also visited different places in the city, from schools and enterprises to local communities. He knows the city very well."

As dean, Blocker launched a series of joint tasks with Chinese music schools, such as the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Central Conservatory of Music, as well as performing with Chinese symphony orchestras. For example, right before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, he organized an event in partnership with the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, to present the Yale Philharmonia in performances in Beijing and Shanghai.

"For music schools, the mission is the same, helping our students succeed and creating lasting, positive changes in society. The idea was simple when I wanted to launch initiatives with Chinese music schools: our schools should be related. I wanted to build up connections with Chinese music schools since we have many students and teachers from China and our colleagues also work in China," Blocker says.

His vision of a more hopeful world is reflected in his belief that music bridges the understanding between people.

"Music brings hope. People may speak different languages and have different ideas but music speaks to each other's heart, and that's why we keep this work going on and why the work never ends," he says. "Our job is to let music heal the world by allowing us to understand and find a common place in our hearts."

Beginning his study of the piano at 5 and giving his first public recital two years later, Blocker says that he usually practiced early in the morning or late at night when he was dean, trying to find his own balance between being an academic leader and a pianist.

"People ask me why do you still play? I would say that is a part of who I am. I learn one new piece every year because I don't want to repeat the old ones. My brain needs to work along with my fingers," he says.

Blocker attributes his passion for music to his piano teacher when he was first learning to play. Describing the teacher as someone who had the biggest influence on his life, Blocker says that she taught him how to love music.

He recalls that when he gave a public performance at the age of 7, he played The Wild Horseman by Schumann. He played fast and loud.

The piano teacher asked him why he played that way. He said it was because the piece was called The Wild Horseman.

She then asked him what color the horse was, who was riding it, and whether the rider was wearing a hat.

"She asked me lots of questions and said, 'your responsibility is not just to look at the title but also to portray images with the music'," Blocker recalls. "She told me to think broadly and deeply as a pianist. It became like a seed growing in me, which I wasn't aware of.

"I want to tell young students who are learning music the same thing," he adds.

For decades, Blocker has witnessed the fast development of China and its exciting classical music scene, where young people learn to play musical instruments and new concert halls are popping up. He also notes that digital technology helps popularize classical music, allowing young musicians to be seen and heard by a wider audience.

Retiring from his position as dean, Blocker says that his personal friendship with China will continue to grow.

"Those great friendships I have made through my journeys are a wealth to me," he says.