Violinist apologizes for using racial stereotypes in Juilliard class

Famed Israeli American master violinist Pinchas Zukerman issued an apology Monday for making “culturally insensitive” remarks about Asian people while teaching a master class at Juilliard.

Violinist.com first reported that during a master class on Friday, Zukerman made the comments after two sister violinists — both New York natives — performed a piece at the start of the class.

“It’s almost too perfect, I mean that as a compliment,” Zukerman reportedly said. “Think less about how perfect to play and to play together, and more about phrasing. A little more vinegar – or soy sauce!”

“Sometimes if you have a question about how to play it, sing it,” he continued. “I know in Korea they don’t sing.”

“In Korea they don’t sing,” Zukerman said. “It’s not in their DNA.”

When one of the violinists stated that she was not of Korean descent but of partial Japanese descent, Zukerman continued that “in Japan they don’t sing either.” He then reportedly sang in a way that appeared to stereotype Asians.

On Monday, Zukerman issued an apology for what he said to the two violinists, The New York Times reported.

“In Friday’s master class, I was trying to communicate something to these two incredibly talented young musicians, but the words I used were culturally insensitive,” Zukerman said.

“I’m writing to the students personally to apologize. I am sorry that I made anyone uncomfortable. I cannot undo that, but I offer a sincere apology. I learned something valuable from this, and I will do better in the future,” he continued. 

Juilliard will not be posting video of the master class as had been previously planned, and the Times noted that the performing arts conservatory distanced itself from Zukerman following the class, referring to him as a guest instructor and stating that his remarks did not represent the school’s values.