In addition to performance and pedagogy, violinist Max Tan is also an academic writer and lecturer, occasionally penning op-eds, reviews, interviews, and articles. To read more, please see the links below.

May 2022 - Student Reflections: Max Tan

Doctoral candidate Max Tan will perform across North America this summer–and find time to write his dissertation.

November 2020 - The Juilliard School Doctoral Forum 2020 | Lecture: The Evolving Score of Chausson’s Poème

[Because this lecture directly relates to Max Tan’s current dissertation work, the transcript will not be released until after Summer 2024.]

This lecture highlights important research concerning documents in the Juilliard Manuscript Collection and the philosophical discussion surrounding the arrangements of works. Unbeknownst to most performers, five versions of Chausson’s Op. 25, the Poème dedicated to Eugene Ysaÿe, exist. This lecture will present performances and discussion of the differences between these versions. At the conclusion of the lecture, an informal recording of the violin-piano-organ arrangement of the Poème, created by Belgian violinist and dedicatee Eugene Ysaÿe in 1925, will be premiered.

July 2020 - L’éducation musicale - Musique Musicologie Son | Ysaÿe’s Secret Sonata: Violinist Philippe Graffin Tells Story of Newly Discovered Masterpiece by the Belgian Composer

Ysaÿe belonged to one of the last, wonderful generations of performer-composers. Although the Opus 27 sonatas are widely known by violinists, many of his works are still under extensive research and being introduced into the musical literature. The original sixth sonata, edited by Graffin, has been completed for forthcoming publication by Schott. Graffin completed the unfinished finale movement using fragments of discarded material from the first movement. He asserts, “the idea was not to finish the end as my own, nobody wants that. It was important having as much Ysaÿe as possible without changing what he had written.”

June 2020 - Sunset Chamberfest | Lecture: Discerning Rhetoric in Interpretation

[Transcript will eventually be provided for viewing.] This lecture aims to help composers understand idioms of performer processes such as score study, rehearsal techniques, expressive vocabulary, and performance physicality. These idioms are compared to those in rhetorical structures. Probing questions are posed to introducethe use of historical recordings to investigate changing performance aesthetics and practices.

September 19, 2019 - The Juilliard Journal | Cultivating Perspective

Cultivating perspective should be at the heart of our striving for better artistry and facing whatever challenges come our way.

January 23, 2019 - The Juilliard Journal | Reminiscing About the Start | Pre-College Centennial

Pre-College alums now studying in the College Division reminisced about their training ahead of Pre-College’s March 2 reunion.

August 09, 2018 - The Juilliard Journal | Advice for Incoming Students: Max Tan

Max Tan: Some favorite Juilliard moments have been chats about how artists can shape the world and how perception influences our art and lives.

November 27, 2017 - The Juilliard Journal | Interview: Villaume to Conduct Gallic Masterpieces

‘There is danger and risk in a live concert but also an incredible magic and many human rewards’ – Emmanuel Villaume

October 27, 2017 - The Juilliard Journal | Lab Orchestra: A Lesson in Spontaneity and Responsiveness.

Juilliard’s Lab Orchestra lets student conductors practice their craft and student instrumentalists experience a different angle on orchestral rehearsals.

October 13, 2017 - The Juilliard Journal | Finnish Exchange Inspires Orchestra

The Sibelius Academy Orchestra and Juilliard Orchestra collaborated to celebrate Finland’s centenary in concerts led by Esa-Pekka Salonen.

September 01, 2017 - The Juilliard Journal | An Exuberant Orchestra Collaboration

Esa-Pekka Salonen leads a combined orchestra of players from Finland’s Sibelius Academy and Juilliard.

February 2016 - The Juilliard Journal | Allan Nilles on Life After Juilliard

Berlin Phil’s AJ Nilles to Juilliard students: “Use your instincts and don’t be afraid to take your own path.”