Jiafeng is a DPhil student researching the transitions of international Chinese students into UK conservatoires, focusing on the student-professor relationships within this unique educational environment. With a background as a professional violinist, Jiafeng’s research is informed by his experiences in both performance and music education.
Before beginning his doctoral studies, Jiafeng trained at institutions such as the Royal College of Music (BMus and MSc in performance science) and the Juilliard School (MMus) in the United States. He has been fortunate to receive recognition in numerous prestigious international music competitions and has had the opportunity to perform as a soloist around the world. He has been a violin professor at the Royal College of Music since 2016.
Jiafeng’s ongoing research draws on his diverse experiences within both the performance world and higher education. It aims to explore how conservatoires can better support the educational journeys of international Chinese students, with a particular emphasis on fostering effective relationships with faculty and addressing the cultural and structural challenges faced by these students.
Supervisors
Professor Alis Oancea and Professor Samantha Sebastian