His true calling

Rather than become a jet-setting career pianist, Wang Xiaohan is happy imparting knowledge of music at a middle school, Chen Jie reports.

Millions of children and young adults in China learn the piano. Some do so for purely musical reasons, but others may find it easier to score points while applying for higher education, if they have an "activity" alongside to show.

Most talented Chinese with genuine interest in the piano either win international competitions or learn from renowned masters and become career pianists, but few decide to take up full-time teaching.