Renowned Pianist Lang Lang's Take on Loving What You Play
Ask students: Who is Lang Lang, and what is his background? How does Lang Lang remember his first experiences with piano?
Lang Lang, one of the world's most famous classical pianists, discovered his passion for piano while growing up alongside other musicians in China. Today, he stands as a globally acclaimed classical pianist whose extraordinary talent has led him to perform with diverse musical legends. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on loving what you play.
View the transcript of the story.
Key Term
prodigy = a person gifted with rare talent, especially at a young age
Discussion Questions
- Who is Lang Lang, and what is his background?
- How does Lang Lang remember his first experiences with piano?
- What was the first music that attracted Lang Lang to play piano?
- Where did Lang Lang grow up, and what was it like there?
- Why has being a parent changed Lang Lang's approach to music?
Focus Questions
- In this segment, Lang says that when he's performing, he always tries to "take my heart into somewhere, and then take my audience with me."
- What do you think he means by this? Do you think the feelings you have while you perform or create a work of art can affect the audience? If so, how?
- Media literacy: Why do you think the producers of this show chose to highlight Lang's experiences over other artists?
Extension Activity
What kinds of artistic expression are you most passionate about? What kinds of creativity allow you to "take your heart into" the project or performance, as Lang Lang describes it?
- First, make a list of artistic experiences you've had as an audience member or reader/viewer that have moved you in some way, or have been particularly memorable. This list could include music or stage performances, writing, visual arts or any other creative expression.
- Second, make a list of creative moments you have had that have allowed you to "take your heart" into them.
- Compare the lists. What similarities do you notice? What about differences?
Finally, use the time you have remaining to plan out your next creative project!
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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