A Resounding Success | A Review of the Tokyo International Vocal Society’s First Public Vocal Lecture

Including Selected Participant Feedback

 

On February 14, 2026, the Tokyo International Vocal Society (TIVS) successfully held its first public vocal lecture since the Society’s establishment at the Nerima Culture Center in Tokyo.

 

Nearly 40 people attended the event. The oldest participant was over 80 years old, while the youngest was only nine. The enthusiasm of the participants far exceeded our original expectations.The atmosphere was highly focused and engaging. United by a shared desire to sing with greater accuracy, stability, and freedom, participants listened attentively and actively took part in the exercises and discussions.The event also made us deeply aware that, among Tokyo’s Chinese-speaking community and wider circle of vocal music enthusiasts, there is a genuine and strong demand for high-quality, systematic vocal instruction.

1. A Rare Public Lecture: Amateur Singers Meet a Leading Vocal Educator

The lecture was given by Professor Wang Xianlin, former Deputy Head and Professor of the Department of Voice and Opera at the Central Conservatory of Music, and Honorary President of TIVS.Although most of the participants were amateur singers, they had high expectations for a learning experience that would provide correct methods, a clear training path, and techniques that could be immediately applied in practice.What impressed the participants most was Professor Wang’s ability to break down a professional vocal training system into clear and accessible methods—methods that people could understand, practise during the session, and continue working on at home.For many participants, it was the first time that long-standing vocal difficulties had been explained so clearly, enabling them to finally understand the nature of their problems and identify a practical way forward.

2. Public Lecture and Masterclass: Turning Understanding into Practice

In addition to the public lecture, the event included individual masterclass sessions. Four students were selected to perform on stage and receive personalised guidance.As places were limited, several other applicants were unfortunately unable to participate in the individual sessions on this occasion.During the masterclass, Professor Wang helped each student quickly establish a clear “map” of their vocal issues. He addressed breathing support, the connection between vocal registers, resonance placement, diction and pronunciation, emotional expression, and consistency of vocal colour.Within a relatively short period of time, he was able to provide each student with a clear direction for future training.Audience members also benefited greatly. Even those who did not perform on stage were able to observe Professor Wang’s diagnostic process and apply his analytical approach to their own vocal practice.

3. A Shared Sense of Purpose: Everyone Practising the Same Art with Sincerity

One of the most moving aspects of the day was not only the content of the lecture itself, but also the shared sense that everyone present sincerely wanted to improve their voice.Some participants carefully took notes. Others quietly followed the exercises as they listened. At key moments, many suddenly realised that problems which had troubled them for years could be explained in such a clear and understandable way.That atmosphere of collective concentration, discovery, and encouragement was one of the most memorable features of the event.

4. The TIVS Team: Building a Professional, Open, and Sustainable Vocal Platform in Tokyo

The Tokyo International Vocal Society was founded in 2025 by Japan-based coloratura soprano Qianyi Qin, who serves as its President.Qianyi Qin graduated from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music and completed a Master’s degree in Vocal Music at the Graduate School of Musashino Academia Musicae in Japan.She has been active in the Japanese music community for more than 20 years. She has received awards at a number of international vocal competitions, regularly serves as a jury member for music competitions, and has participated in the planning and organisation of major musical events and television programmes.She has long been committed to bringing professional vocal education and opportunities for artistic exchange to a wider community of people who love singing, through a more open, systematic, and high-quality approach.The successful organisation of this event would not have been possible without the dedicated cooperation of the Society’s executive members:

· Liu Zizhen, Tenor and Vice President of TIVS
Graduate of the Shenyang Conservatory of Music and the Graduate School of Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. Master’s degree in Vocal Performance.

· Cheng Yincong, Baritone
Graduate of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Graduate School of Musashino Academia Musicae. Doctorate in Vocal Performance.

· Zhang Zeyong, Bass-Baritone
Professor of Vocal Music at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the many professionals and supporters who offered constructive advice and valuable assistance in the development of the Society and this event.

 

Founder Qianyi Qin reflected:

“The arts, and classical music in particular, operate within a relatively small market in Japan. Artists are often not simply ‘choosing’ to persevere; rather, they are learning how to persevere—because of their passion, and because we believe that life needs not only bread, but also the light of the spirit.”

She explained that the public lecture had originally been planned as an initial experiment. However, Professor Wang Xianlin’s generous and wholehearted teaching, the seamless cooperation among the Society’s executive members, and the commitment and eagerness of every participant deeply moved her.

“When I saw everyone following the exercises with such concentration and excitement in their eyes, I became even more convinced that this is a path worth continuing.”

She added that TIVS will continue working to organise more lectures, concerts, and related activities, supporting more people who love singing as they make steady progress through correct and effective training methods.

 

5. Selected Feedback: Professional, Clear, Helpful, and Excellent Value

Following the lecture, TIVS collected feedback from participants through a questionnaire.

The responses showed a high degree of consistency:

1. Participants widely agreed that the content was professional, clearly explained, and highly relevant to their individual needs.

2. The live demonstrations and opportunity to observe the masterclass sessions were considered extremely helpful.

3. Participants gave very positive evaluations of the overall experience and felt that the event offered excellent value for the participation fee.

4. Many expressed the hope that TIVS would regularly organise similar lectures, concerts, and other musical activities in the future.

 

6. Reflections from Professor Xianlin Wang

During my several-day stay in Tokyo, I was invited by the Tokyo International Vocal Society to give a public vocal masterclass.It was my first time teaching such a broad group of vocal enthusiasts and audience members from such a wide range of age groups.What impressed me most was the enthusiasm and sincerity of every participant, as well as their genuine love of vocal music.I offered suggestions to several singers of different ages, based on the individual vocal issues demonstrated by each performer. I was surprised by how quickly and effectively they understood and responded to the guidance.Although it is difficult to explain all the unique characteristics of vocal technique within a short period of time, I tried to present the essential principles according to the idea that true mastery lies in making complexity simple.The participants responded with enthusiasm and enjoyment. The interaction between the students and me became one of the highlights of the lecture.I believe that this event organised by the Tokyo International Vocal Society was highly successful.I sincerely hope that the Society will continue to provide more opportunities for exchange and learning for vocal music enthusiasts in Tokyo and throughout Japan.