The Music Department at United International College (UIC) recently hosted the themed workshop "Unleash the Wings of Imagination in Musical Expression" on May 8, 2024, in Recital Hall CC129 at the School of Culture and Creativity. Professor and special guest artist Rene Pfister led the interactive workshop. Professor Pfister serves in the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, renowned as the world's premier popular music institution with over 300 Grammy awards across multiple categories won by its alumni to date. He also holds the position of Artistic Director for Berklee's Theater Arts Collaborative (BTAC) and has over 30 years’ experience as a performer, writer, and producer in the music industry.
Pfister founded the musical theater creation brand which has been featured in special reports by The New York Times and The Boston Globe. He runs a company called “Make Your Life a Musical” and is currently writing books about his work. Professor Pfister has extensive experience performing and lecturing globally throughout China, Europe, Africa, Argentina, and Kenya. At UIC, Pfister led an innovative 90-minute workshop, attended by over 60 participants including students and faculty from UIC’s Music Department. The event, characterized by its creative theme, lively format, and interactive elements was enthusiastically received by the participants.
The workshop’s activities revolved around three main aspects: exploring collective theatrical games to enhance self-awareness and understanding of music; cultivating stage presence to enhance the charm of music performances; and effectively giving and receiving feedback to improve musical expression. According to Pfister: “It's critical for me that students are engaged, aware of their own minds and bodies in relationship to their singing, aware of music. The first step is helping (students) understand their personal mind-body connection and then creating a series of individualized exercises to support what works well and to change what doesn't."
Associate Professor Jie Wang from the UIC Music Department served as the organizer and co-facilitator for this event. She provided on-site team teaching and translation during Professor Pfister's explanations and added her own advice and guidance to help those in attendance better understand the significance and effectiveness of the workshop activities. The event’s interactive sessions between Professor Pfister and the students had the music students performing musical theater songs, for which they received enthusiastic applause.
Professor Pfister’s teaching style is centered on innovative methods such as theatrical games and vocal improvisation to guide participants in exploring the possibilities of musical expression. The workshop leaders encouraged attendees to experience the wonderful impact of imagination on musical expression in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. According to Pfister: “The song is the medium through which singers express their talent. It's critical that a singer learn to choose the right songs.”
After the event, students and Faculty had the opportunity to engage informally with the guest artist to learn more about musical theater in the United States and around the world and to exchange notes about the cultural differences so effectively bridged through such engaging and entertaining international exchanges.
Responsible Editor: Sienna Wu
Copywriting: Wang Jie
Partial Photography: Sienna Wu
Editor: Jerry Duan
