Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience
Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience
Shenandoah Conservatory is proud to unveil its latest endeavor, the Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience. This new institution marks a significant milestone in the conservatory’s commitment to innovation, research, and the advancement of music education.
Dr. Ryuji Ueno
Named in honor of renowned scientist and visionary Ryuji Ueno, M.D., Ph.D., Ph.D., the Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience aims to explore the profound connection between the human mind and the transformative power of music, utilizing his innovative Delta Method™. By harmoniously integrating scientific knowledge of neurophysiology with artistic expression, the institute seeks to unlock new frontiers in performance, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, harnessing the transformative potential of the Delta Method™.
Inspire & Empower
Led by a distinguished team of educators, researchers, and artists, the Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience will serve as a hub for groundbreaking research, pedagogical exploration and artistic experimentation. Through its multifaceted programs and initiatives, the institute aims to inspire and empower musicians, educators and researchers to plumb deeper into the intersection of mind and music.
Distinguished Institute Faculty
For the Fall 2023 semester, the Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience is excited to announce its inaugural lineup of distinguished artists who will contribute to its programs. Renowned violinist Stella Chen, acclaimed violinist Kevin Zhu and virtuoso pianist Ryo Yanagitani will be joining the institute as faculty members and guest artists. Their expertise and artistic brilliance will enrich the educational experience and serve as an inspiration to aspiring musicians at the institute. The presence of these esteemed artists highlights the institute’s commitment to fostering excellence and pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
Ryuji Ueno
Director & Visiting Professor, Music
Dr. Ryuji Ueno, M.D., Ph.D. and Ph.D., is an internationally recognized scientist, innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Trained and certified as a medical doctor at Keio University School of Medicine in Japan, Dr. Ueno spent his academic career in the fields of pharmacology, physiology and biochemistry at Columbia University, Kyoto University, Osaka University and Stanford University. He has authored more than 100 articles in notable scientific journals. He is also passionate about classical music and is the founder and executive producer of the Ryuji Ueno Foundation.
Stella Chen
Visiting Assistant Professor, Violin
Gramophone 2023 Young Artist of the Year Stella Chen garnered worldwide attention with her first-prize win at the 2019 Queen Elizabeth International Violin Competition, followed by the 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant and 2020 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award. Since then, Stella has appeared across North America, Europe, and Asia in concerto, recital, and chamber music performances. She recently made debuts with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and more.
Kevin Zhu
Visiting Assistant Professor, Violin
American violinist Kevin Zhu has amassed an outstanding record of concert performances and competition wins since he began playing violin at age three. Praised for his “awesome technical command and maturity” (The Strad) and “absolute virtuosity, almost blinding in its incredible purity” (L’ape musicale), Kevin has performed on the world’s largest stages, ranging from the Konzerthaus Berlin to London’s Royal Festival Hall to the Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. He came to international attention after winning the 2018 Paganini Competition and 2012 Yehudi Menuhin Competition.
Ryo Yanagitani
Visiting Assistant Professor, Collaborative Piano
Hailed by The Washington Post as “A pianist’s pianist,” Ryo has established himself as one of Canada’s shining artists. His success includes winning the gold medal at the 10th San Antonio International Piano Competition, and garnering the grand prize at the Hugo Kauder International Piano Competition. Ryo has made concerto appearances with orchestras around the world, including the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and more.
Vision & Leadership
Dr. Ueno, as the director, will steer the institute forward with his vision and leadership. His deep passion for the arts and dedication to innovation will guide the institute in its mission to cultivate a transformative learning environment where the mind and music intersect, leaving an indelible mark on the future of music education and performance.
New Chapters
Shenandoah Conservatory, renowned for its commitment to excellence in arts education and its vibrant artistic community, is thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter with the establishment of the Ryuji Ueno Institute for Mind & Music Experience. The conservatory remains dedicated to nurturing the development of talented musicians and empowering them to create transformative experiences through the power of music.