Nurturing Global Talent: Discover how the École Normale de Musique de Paris is Cultivating the Next Generation of Classical Musicians
The École Normale de Musique de Paris stands as a beacon of classical music education, renowned globally for its elite training and rich heritage. Founded in 1919 by legendary pianist Alfred Cortot, this private institution offers rigorous programmes in instrumental performance, conducting, composition, and vocal studies.
More than just a school, it is a vibrant hub where over 70% international students converge, fostering a dynamic cultural exchange where French musical traditions meet diverse global artistic voices. Programmes are meticulously designed to prepare students for the realities of a professional music career, encompassing vital skills in career management, marketing, and musical communication, along with rigorous preparation for international competitions. With deep and expanding ties to Asia, including academic partnerships and auditions held in major cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai, and soon in Taipei and Hong Kong, the École Normale de Musique de Paris plays a key role in the international promotion of French music. They are dedicated to supporting talented Asian musicians, ensuring financial background never hinders their access to one of Europe’s most prestigious musical institutions through vital full scholarships.
This unique blend of tradition and modernity, exemplified by alumni who have shaped music history, ensures the school continues to attract and nurture promising young artists at the forefront of the international scene.
“With over 40% of students coming from Asia, ENMP has clearly built strong cultural and academic ties across the region. Could you share some stories or testimonies from your Asian alumni or current students that specifically illustrate the impact ENMP has had on their musical journey and how their experiences contribute to shaping the future of classical music?”
The École Normale de Musique de Paris has long maintained strong and meaningful ties with Asia. Our alumni are living proof of how these cultural and academic bridges can shape artistic careers and enrich the global classical music landscape.
One such example is Makiko Suzumura, a Japanese pianist who studied at the École for two years and earned the Diplôme de Concertiste. Today, she is a respected assistant professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and other leading institutions in Japan. She describes her time at the École — particularly her studies with Mr Erik Berchot — as a pivotal chapter in her development, both as a performer and educator. Beyond piano technique, she was profoundly inspired by the School’s unique atmosphere — from the historical character of the building itself to the authentic transmission of the French musical tradition. Her doctoral research on Francis Poulenc stems directly from the artistic path she began exploring in Paris. To this day, she feels a deep sense of connection to the École — one that transcends borders and time.
Another compelling example is the Chinese piano duo Te Wang and Sixian Cen, known as L’EPSTE. Former students of the École, they are now based in Hangzhou, China, where they are actively engaged in promoting classical music and fostering Franco-Chinese cultural dialogue. In 2022, they organised the Chinese premiere of a work by Jacques de La Presle, and since 2024, they have launched their own festival: the Crazy French Music Season. For them, the École was not only an academic institution but a gateway to understanding the philosophy and spirit of French artistic education. The mentorship of professors such as Mrs Marie-Catherine Girod and Mr André Gorog left a lasting imprint on their artistic identity. Even today, they maintain close ties with the School, regularly inviting ENMP faculty to perform and teach in China. In their own words, they “never really left the École Normale.”
These stories illustrate how the École Normale de Musique de Paris does more than train accomplished musicians — it nurtures cultural ambassadors who carry the values of French musical excellence to new audiences across Asia. Our alumni contribute to the future of classical music not only through performance and teaching, but also by initiating new artistic ventures and building lasting international collaborations rooted in shared ideals.
Their journeys embody the School’s broader mission: to be a catalyst for renewal in classical music, and to shape the global artistic landscape through meaningful, enduring connections.
“Scholarships play a vital role in making elite musical education more accessible. Could you tell us more about your outreach efforts and partnerships and how these scholarships impact the lives of young Asian musicians, and why is it important to support this next generation of global talent?”
At the École Normale de Musique de Paris, we are deeply committed to the belief that access to world-class artistic education should transcend borders. Scholarships play a vital role in this mission, enabling talented young musicians — regardless of financial means — to benefit from our rich pedagogical tradition and legacy of artistic excellence.
In recent years, and particularly in 2024–2025, we have significantly expanded our international development efforts, with a strong focus on Asia. Strategic partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Tokyo College of Music and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music have led to immersive cultural and educational exchanges, offering students from these regions a unique opportunity to engage with the French musical tradition in a deeply meaningful way.
A particularly meaningful step has been our collaboration with Fondation de France Asia in Hong Kong. While these initial donations have not yet funded a specific scholarship, they will contribute to the École’s overall scholarship fund, and will support a future Asian recipient. This initiative sets an important precedent for regionally anchored support and highlights the growing commitment of international partners to investing in musical excellence.
At the same time, by organising auditions in Japan, Korea, and China, we have been able to identify exceptional talent and expand our reach.
Supporting the next generation of global talent is essential — not only for the future of classical music, but also for promoting cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Every scholarship we offer is an investment in a young artist’s potential to become a cultural ambassador, carrying forward not just music, but the values of dedication, creativity, and international cooperation.
Looking ahead, the École is preparing to hold on-site recruitment competitions in Asia, with the support of both corporate and individual patrons based in the region. Our ambition is to offer full scholarships to the most promising candidates, ensuring that musical excellence is nurtured wherever it is found.
To delve deeper into the École Normale de Musique de Paris “Alfred Cortot” and its profound impact on global musical education, please visit their official website: https://www.ecolenormalecortot.com/en/
If you feel inspired to support their vital mission of nurturing the next generation of international classical music talent, particularly through their crucial scholarship programmes, we invite you to support. Your generosity directly empowers deserving young artists, ensuring that financial barriers never limit their access to world-class education and their ability to shape the future of classical music.
