“Piano Dreams” – Exploring the Chinese Piano Explosion

The motivations for learning the piano are diverse, ranging from personal enjoyment to cultural appreciation and professional aspirations. While some see it as a way to connect with cultural heritage, others pursue it as a path to fame and fortune. In the movie “Piano Dreams” director Gary Lennon documents the struggles and sacrifices of three wannabe piano stars in modern China.

Lang Lang’s victory at the Ettlingen piano competition in 1994 marked a turning point in the global landscape of pianism. His success inspired over 40 million children in China to learn the piano, leading to a surge of talented Chinese pianists on the international concert circuit, including Yuja Wang, Yundi Li, Haochen Zhang, Sa Chen or Chinese/Canadian Bruce Liu, to name a few.

Gary Lennon, the director of “I Dream in Photos,” and Shanghai resident from 2002 to 2005, experienced firsthand the piano craze in China while living near a music conservatory in Shanghai. His captivating documentary, “China’s Piano Dream”, explores the country’s intense passion for the piano. With over 40 million piano students in China, many see it as their only path to success.

A Talk with the Director

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Gary Lennon, Director of Piano Dreams:

About the Movie

The film follows three aspiring young pianists as they navigate the highly competitive world of Chinese piano education. We meet three talented students, who dedicate up to ten hours a day to piano practice: Eight-year-old Xia Xidi faces intense pressure from his strict teacher, Chen Panpan, to excel in piano battles. Twelve-year-old Xi Yingying dreams of becoming a concert pianist, while nineteen-year-old Zhou Yu’ang aspires to study at an American conservatory. Their unwavering commitment is supported by their teachers and parents, who make significant sacrifices to provide their children with the best opportunities. These intimate portraits shed light on the complex lives of the emerging Chinese middle class and for many of them there is no “plan B”.
Competitions offer validation and a chance for pianists to test their skills against peers. This demanding lifestyle requires intense focus, self-discipline, and sacrifice, which extends to their families, particularly mothers who prioritize their child’s success. While the stereotype of “tiger parents” pushing their children relentlessly exists, it doesn’t fully capture the reality here. There’s a genuine concern for the child’s well-being, as demonstrated by Xia Zidi’s mother, Xu Jiajia.
This acclaimed international film offers a unique perspective on how different value systems operate in various environments, prompting thought and reflection.

Official trailer: