Written by Nicole Johnson
Qishan Shi came to Azusa Pacific when she was 16. It was her first time leaving her home in China and traveling across the world to pursue her dream. She describes her past two years at APU as years which have broadened the view of her life. Being alone in a foreign country can be scary, but Shi has found a way to conquer many things and become an independent person.
Shi started to play the piano at age four, and the second she touched the piano she fell in love with it. She wants to be a professional pianist and pursue the greatness of music for the rest of her life. The first time Shi performed for people, she knew she was meant to be a performer. Shi wants to share her heart and passion with people through music.
Shi is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree, and hopes to pursue a Doctorate of Music degree next. She has received countless awards in music - Third Place in The 15th Hong Kong Piano Open Competition in Guangzhou in 2009, First Place in The Guangzhou Piano Open Competition in 2011, First Place at the Yamaha Music Scholarship competition in 2013, and Third Place at Silk Road International Piano Festival Competition in 2015.
Shi’s advice to incoming freshmen in this field is, “Be patient and work hard. Appreciate every single person that comes into your life; they are all unique and precious. Follow your passion and stay humble and true.”
