Lin Yaoji (1937 – 2009)

The first great violin teacher in China to bring talents to the world stage.

Professor Lin Yaoji’s unique approach to the art of violin playing combines Confucian philosophy with organic physiology to devise more than 30 idioms for his students.  Over 50 years in his tenure as the Head of the Violin Teaching and Research Department in the Central Conservatory of Music, Professor Lin had nurtured many generations of acclaimed Chinese virtuosi including Hu Kun, who was the first international prize winner in the violin music history of China, followed by Xue Wei, Li Chuanyun, Cai Liang, Yang Tianwa, Chen Xi and Chen Yi, who have all won numerous international accolades and acclaims.

At a young age, Lin’s extraordinary talent had already caught the attention of violin master Ma Sicong, then principal of Beijing’s Central Conservatory who became his mentor in the conservatory.  Upon graduation in 1960 with the most outstanding results, Lin was selected to participate in The International Tchaikovsky Violin Competition. There he decided to study under Yuri Yankelevich, renowned professor of the Moscow Conservatory who rightfully predicted that Lin would make a great contribution to violin education in China. 

In addition to his brilliant teaching career, Professor Lin often served as adjudicator at prestigious international violin competitions. He was a member of the International Council of the Carl Flesch International Violin Competition and was regularly invited to conduct master classes in various parts of the world including the US, UK, Australia, Italy and Europe.

When Lin Yaoji passed away in his sleep on 16 March, 2009, he had been teaching until that very evening – nurturing his passion and love for music to the very end.