Key competition

The competition jury and parents of the young participants both commented that recent moves by the government to alleviate academic burdens has presented children with the opportunity to spend more time learning the piano.

"Music education is a major form of art and a beautiful experience. The pursuit of art is a way to accumulate positive experiences and feel the kindness of others," says Zhu, who is also the former dean of the piano department at the Shenyang Conservatory of Music in Liaoning province.

Learning the piano is also critical to self-development, according to some parents. Tan Xiaoting, the mother of an 8-year-old participant from Changsha city, Hunan province, points out that piano practice has helped her daughter grow in self-confidence.