Honoring a Beloved Teacher

Recently Kaylen Ratto Giannini, Juilliard’s associate director for annual giving, chatted with Anli Lin Tong (Pre-College ’76; BM ’83, MM ’84, piano). Inspired in part by last year’s Pre-College Centennial celebrations, Tong has established an annual guest artist residency here honoring the teacher who brought her to Juilliard, Mieczysław Munz (faculty 1963–76).

How did you first come to Juilliard?
I was born in Taiwan and entered a piano competition when I was 9 years old. A Juilliard faculty member, Mieczysław Munz (faculty 1963–76), heard me perform and offered me a place in his class. I was only in fourth grade and Taiwan was under martial law; the government permitted only graduate students who had already gained admission to an institution abroad to leave the country. Mr. Munz stayed in touch with me, and I was eventually granted special status by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education under its Musically Gifted Children Study Abroad program. Two years after meeting Mr. Munz, I left my family in Taiwan and arrived in New York City in 1973.

Thus began my life in America. I believe I was the only Pre-College student he had at the time, as his class otherwise consisted of older students in what we called the regular division. Since I was living without my parents in New York City, Mr. Munz would escort me to the bus stop and to school. He even visited my parents in Taiwan to assure them that “Anli is doing well in New York.”

Mr. Munz passed away before I had completed my studies in Pre-College. It was a profound loss and I chose to leave Juilliard and study at Interlochen Arts Academy. But I eventually returned to Juilliard and completed my bachelor’s and master’s with Martin Canin (BS and MS ’56, piano; faculty 1959-2016). Juilliard was a very different school back then. Now when I hear about the new programs I am envious! Dr. Polisi arrived in my last year at Juilliard, and I remember it felt like a major development that we were finally getting Juilliard mugs! I did not feel like I had a college experience. Everyone practiced at the school and stayed until the bitter end of the day, which was 10pm. Since there was no dormitory [the residence hall opened in 1990], you basically lived on the fourth floor. But I also developed lifelong friendships with my classmates since we spent so much time together.

What have you been doing since you graduated?
My post-Juilliard life began when I got married the day after graduation, which I would not recommend, but all of my friends were in town so it made sense to do it right away. It was a very musical wedding. I eventually went to L.A.; now I teach music and am a DMA candidate at UCLA. I have a performance this week and will be returning to Interlochen next week for master classes. I am trying to revive Mr. Munz’ name as his legacy has been lost somewhat, though in the past few years there has been more interest in him. I have just established the annual Mieczysław Munz Guest Artist Chair to honor and preserve the legacy of Mr. Munz. I was inspired to do this after attending the Pre-College Centennial Gala last fall as returning to Juilliard brought back many memories!

Why do you donate to Juilliard?
I donate because Juilliard is the best training for young musicians. In the general sense, why not donate to the best institution? I am a pianist, teacher, and I teach all of my students to reach for Juilliard. My whole life is tied to Juilliard and Munz.

Why should others support Juilliard?
Whatever they invest at Juilliard, they will see the fruits of that investment in the caliber of the students that come out of Juilliard. I impart all that I have learned at Juilliard to my own students. Juilliard set the standard for excellence in music and you should always keep striving for the highest standards in all you do.

Kaylen Ratto Giannini is Juilliard’s associate director for annual giving

In this video, Juilliard donors Brandon Sherr, Lori Pomerantz, Edmund Grossman, and more talk about why they love to support Juilliard’s students. Your tax-deductible gift directly supports our students and is deeply appreciated. Make a gift.