Fang Yuan, Director of the Gifted Young Pianists School in Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), was born in Shanghai. She began her music education at the age of six. Being highly talented and musically inclined, she was admitted into the Academy of Shanghai Conservatory at the age twelve, where she majored in Piano. She graduated with Distinctions.

In 1971, Fang Yuan entered the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1976, she won great recognition for her outstanding performance at the "Shanghai Youth Music Competition". Since then, she has become a familiar figure in both national and international concerts. She had performed in China (over 40 cities), Japan, USA, New Zealand, England, France, Switzerland, Germany and Italy. She had appeared not only at concerts, but also in radio and television programmes. Recordings on LDs and tapes have been made on her solo and accompaniment performances. Music scores arranged by her had been published in China and overseas. She had also been a member of the judging panel in many competitions.

In 1992, she was selected by the Cambridge International Biographical Centre to have her name listed in the directories of "International Who's Who in Music and Musicians", "International Who's Who of Intellectuals" and "Dictionary of International Biographies".

In 1991, she established the "Gifted Young Pianists Course" at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Throughout the 10 years, the course has enjoyed continuous success. Every year, all students pass the ABRSM examinations and more than 90% of them obtain Distinction. The majority of the students pass Grade 8 at the age of 10-11. She had groomed a large number (25%) of students who had won prizes at national and international piano competitions. The remarkable achievement of the course has brought honor and pride to our nation. Her dedication and teaching method also received international recognition.

In 1999, NAFA set up its fourth school, School of Young Talents. Fang Yuan was appointed the Director of the School and the Head of the Junior Music Department. Through her hard work, the School has become a centre for young talents with nearly 1,700 students in 4 departments (Junior Music, Dance, Drama and Arts).

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