At Shanghai French School, music becomes a voice for students, a way to express emotions, gain confidence, and come alive on stage. Through performances, artistic collaborations, and cultural encounters, the school actively encourages students to explore music as a living art that connects people and nurtures creativity.
Music Educationat LFS:
Learning, Creating, Performing
Throughout their schooling, music education at LFS guides students toward an independent and critical understanding of the world of sound and music. Musical learning is explored through historical and cultural references while combining theory, creativity, and performance.
Primary School: Building foundations through Music
In primary school, music education aims to develop students’ sensitivity, creativity, and understanding of musical language through singing, instrumental practice, listening, and collective projects such as performances and choirs.
Students build their skills across three main areas:
listening and understanding (recognizing sounds, rhythms, and styles),
practicing and performing (singing, playing simple instruments, and using movement), and
creating and producing (improvising, composing, and participating in group productions).
Teaching follows a progressive and active approach, where concepts are revisited over time through listening activities, rhythmic games, and interdisciplinary connections with subjects such as French, visual arts, history, and science.
Middle School: Deepening musical understanding
Students develop their skills through:
instrumental practice,
vocal work and singing,
musical creation and production,
analysis of musical works,
listening and comparison activities,
collaborative projects, debates, and artistic exchanges.
Each grade level explores specific musical themes:
Grade 6: the voice, instrumental timbres, and instrumental ensembles,
Grade 7: musical periods,
Grade 8: musical forms and genres,
Grade 9: music of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Beyond weekly lessons, students can join a wide range of musical ensembles and workshops offered free of charge, including choir, orchestra, chamber music, rock bands, songwriting, and improvisation.
The choir is open to all students throughout the year, while the orchestra requires prior experience (one year for wind instruments, two years for strings). Auditions are held at the beginning of the year and may also take place throughout the year.
For more information, families can contact the music teachers.
Student Concerts & Musical Encounters
Music thrives at Shanghai French School through a vibrant calendar of concerts, workshops, and cultural experiences that encourage students to perform, create, and connect through music.
Soloists taking center stage
On March 31, 2026, the Second Annual Soloists’ Concert at Yangpu campus showcased the remarkable talent of LFS students through performances marked by technical mastery, musical sensitivity, and strong stage presence.
The repertoire ranged from traditional Chinese works to masterpieces by Vivaldi, Handel, Liszt, Debussy, and Bartók, before concluding with vibrant international pop performances.
This musical journey began earlier in the school year with the first Soloists’ Concert on November 18, 2025, giving students an opportunity to gain confidence and experience the excitement of solo performance on stage.
Encounter with Traditional Chinese Music
On April 16, primary students at Qingpu campus discovered the traditional Chinese musical style Jiangnan Sizhu during a live performance.
Musicians introduced the origins of this repertoire and presented traditional instruments, including a Yangqin more than 100 years old. Students had the opportunity to observe closely, interact with the musicians, and even try playing some instruments, a fully immersive cultural experience.
A powerful Spring Concert with DSS
On March 26, the DSS and LFS Spring Concert transformed the Qingpu Piazza into a vibrant musical stage. Chorale and orchestra students performed a rich and varied repertoire blending classical and contemporary works.
A highlight of the evening was Maurice Ravel’s Bolero, performed by the combined DSS and LFS orchestras, a powerful example of musical unity, precision, and collaboration.
Encounter with a renowned pianist
On March 24, middle school students at Yangpu campus met renowned concert pianist Geoffroy Couteau, a graduate of the Paris Conservatories and an internationally prize-winning artist.
During this inspiring visit, students observed a masterclass and exchanged directly with a professional musician, gaining valuable insight into artistic discipline, interpretation, and professional performance.
First steps into instrumental music
During Arts Week, younger students from Kindergarten and Grade 1 attended a live chamber music rehearsal, discovering instruments such as flute, violin, cello, clarinet, bass clarinet, and saxophone.
This first encounter with instrumental music helped develop listening skills and sparked musical curiosity from an early age.
Choral development throughout the year
Primary students at Yangpu campus take part in weekly choral sessions throughout the year. During one special week, they also benefited from workshops led by external musicians from the association Chansons contemporaines, enriching their vocal practice and collective musical expression. Through daily rehearsals and classroom workshops, students strengthened their vocal skills and collective musical expression.
These rehearsals continue throughout the year, with students preparing for a major choral performance on June 13, marking an important milestone in their musical journey.
Chinese New Year Concert
The musical ensembles of the Yangpu campus celebrated the Chinese New Year through a dedicated concert, highlighting the diversity and energy of student performances.
Eurocampus 30th anniversary celebration
Students also contributed to the 30th Anniversary Ceremony of Eurocampus, performing works such as the European Anthem in the presence of institutional partners and community members.
Performance at the Yangpu District Music Festival
In January 2026, the LFS Choir participated in the music festival organized by Yangpu District, proudly representing the school through a collective musical performance.
LFS choir on stage beyond school
In December 2025, the LFS choir represented the school during the CCI France Chine Christmas Gala, delivering a festive performance that showcased the energy and talent of students from both campuses.
First Talent Show at LFS Yangpu
In December, the first LFS Yangpu Talent Show brought together the choir, orchestra, and songwriting workshop in a festive celebration of creativity and student expression.
At Shanghai French School, music education is lived through performance, collaboration, and discovery. Each concert, rehearsal, and artistic encounter helps students grow in confidence, creativity, and expression.
Step by step, they learn not only to play music, but to live it, share it, and bring it to life on stage.
All of this is made possible thanks to the passion and commitment of our music teachers, Todd Farnham, Christophe Gizycki and Shuang Ma, whose dedication inspires our students to grow, perform, and shine.