A lifelong passion for music

山東 李全忠

耶魯大學音樂學院前院長羅伯特·布洛克在任職期間推動了耶魯藝術項目的改進，還促成了與中國音樂學校的合作。退休后，他仍活躍在音樂界，不僅作為鋼琴家進行表演，也繼續作為教授在耶魯大學教授課程。

主題語境：音樂與生活 篇幅：327詞 建議用時：6分鐘

1Robert Blocker used to be the Dean of Music at Yale University for almost 30 years and retired on August 31, 2023.Blocker loves music and teaching.When he became a dean in 1995, he helped improve Yale's art programs and made connections with music schools in China.

2Even though he retired, Blocker is still active in music as a skilled piano player.He keeps teaching as a professor of piano and leadership at Yale.He toured China from October 23 to November 9, 2023, visiting cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou, where he performed concerts and taught classes.

3Blocker has worked with music schools in China for performances and teaching programs.He believes music can connect the world, crossing languages and cultures.He has seen China's fast growth in classical music, with more young musicians, concert halls and digital platforms that help more people hear music.

4He recalls that when he gave a public performance at the age of 7, he playedTheWild Horsemanby Schumann.He played fast and loud.The piano teacher asked him why he played that way.He said it was because the piece was calledThe Wild Horseman.She then asked him what color the horse was, who was riding it, and whether the rider was wearing a hat.“She asked me lots of questions and said, ‘Your responsibility is not just to look at the title but also to portray images with the music.’,” Blocker recalls.“She told me to think broadly and deeply as a pianist.It became like a seed growing in me, which I wasn't aware of.I want to tell young students who are learning music the same thing,” he adds.

5Even though he is not a dean anymore, Blocker still has a close relationship with China, valuing the friendships he has made over the years.He continues to be involved in music as an educator and performer, showing his lifelong commitment to the arts.

Reading Check

Detail1.What activity did Robert Blocker continue to do after his retirement?

A.Be the Dean of Yale University.

B.Teach as a professor of piano and leadership at Yale University.

C.Travel to Europe for music concerts.

D.Open his own music school.

Detail2.What does Robert Blocker believe about music?

A.It is a tool for discipline.

B.It is a way to stay active.

C.It is primarily about technical skill.

D.It unites the world across languages and cultures.

Detail3.What did Robert Blocker's piano teacher encourage him to do?

A.Play louder and faster.

B.Ask questions about the piece.

C.Think broadly about the music.

D.Simply follow the title of the piece.

Language Study

Ⅰ.日積月累

skilledadj.熟練的

performern.表演者

concertn.音樂會

educatorn.教育者

tourv.在……巡回演出

art program 藝術項目

classical music 古典音樂

public performance 公開表演

think broadly and deeply 深思熟慮

lifelong commitment 終身承諾

Ⅱ.語法填空

Robert Blocker, having served 1.________(near) three decades as the Dean of Music at Yale University, retired on August 31, 2023.Renowned for 2.________(he) passion for music, Blocker significantly enhanced Yale's art programs and fostered connections 3.________ Chinese music schools since his deanship beginning in 1995.Post-retirement,Blocker remains 4.________(music) engaged as a proficient pianist and continues imparting knowledge as a piano and leadership professor at Yale.His tour through China from October 23 to November 9 took him to cities such 5.________ Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou.During his tour, he both performed in concerts 6.________ provided instruction, maintaining his active role in music education and 7.________(perform).

A significant childhood memory Blocker shared was a public piano performance at seven years old, 8.________(play) Schumann'sThe Wild Horseman.His piano teacher asked him 9.________(think) beyond the title and to convey the story through his music after the performance.This advice shaped Blocker's own teaching philosophy.Blocker upholds his lifelong dedication 10.________ the arts, continually engaging as a musician and educator, inspiring young musicians with his experience and insights.