Student Reflections: Max Tan

Students Reflect on an Action-Packed Year

Just before commencement, we asked students—some graduating, some staying on—to reflect on their time at Juilliard. They wrote about highlights, top takeaways, and things that were and weren't surprising. In addition, some shared what scholarship had meant to them and what their summer/future plans are. Keep an eye out for entries from other students and check out this video highlight reel from commencement. Congratulations to the class of 2022!

Max Tan

Highlights
This past season, I was excited to work on several artistic projects with close friends in Los Angeles, Toronto, and Sarasota. In November, I was thrilled to record my debut album (to be released in the fall) featuring unpublished Ysaÿe manuscripts from the Juilliard library. One, an arrangement of Chausson’s Poème for violin, piano, and organ, is the subject of my dissertation, the proposal for which was approved in March. My research into the provenance of these manuscripts, particularly with regard to Ysaÿe’s close friendship with Chausson, continues inspiring me to think deeply about what place the arts have in my life and the communities in which I belong. Some of these topics include the relationship performers have to composers of the past and present, to improvisation and notated scores, to recordings and live concerts, and to the ideas that music is a universal language with some association with civic duty. Certainly, I’ve found some very personal answers, but these are areas I hope to keep exploring, especially in deep conversations with friends at Juilliard and those who are now all around the world.

Biggest surprise
I’ve noticed a special warmth and compassionate aura among the school community this past year. There is a mutual understanding that we’ve all lost something during the pandemic—perspective, purpose, connection, and perhaps more—but the care and respect we share among students, faculty, and staff was tangible. I didn’t find this surprising, but I was surprised at how much I noticed it. Consequently, I felt that the Juilliard building, which sometimes feels like a fast-flowing transit hub, had a more homey atmosphere.

Least surprising
That there is still construction on the exterior of the building.

Next steps
This summer, I’m looking forward to a combination of intense music-making with friends as well as studious retreats for my dissertation research and writing. In June, I will be at the Four Seasons Chamber Music Workshop, originally scheduled for January. I will also attend Sunset Chamberfest in Los Angeles, directed by my good friend cellist Michael Kaufman, who I deeply admire for his mission to mentor and champion the music of young composers as well as for cultivating a chamber music festival with programming that integrates wonderful music of our time into the Classical canon. In August, I will present recitals with pianist Marisa Gupta in Toronto, Sarasota, Boston, and other cities, culminating with the Dame Myra Hess recital series in Chicago.

Doctoral candidate Max Tan (Pre-College ’03, piano, ’11, violin; MM ’17, Artist Diploma ’10, violin) grew up in East Lyme, Connecticut

These pieces are adapted from a special feature that originally appeared in the Summer 2022 issue of the Journal.