Music Classes

This Beginner course is designed for adults who have not studied the Guqin before. The class will explain Guqin tablature (notation), basic fingerings, and the three tone colors: open strings, pressed tones, and harmonics. Following the introduction of these fundamentals, students will learn to read tablature (notation), practice some simple exercises, then learn two to three short pieces: “Immortals’ Chant”, the traditional piece “Autumn Wind”, and the modern piece “Laughter above the Turquoise Sea”. History, aesthetics of the Guqin and its cultural aspects will be presented.

初级班：面向不需任何音乐经验的初学者。 初级班课程包括认识减字谱、左右手基本指法（吟、猱、抹、挑、勾、剔、绰、注）及散、泛、按三种音色。把握以上的基础后将学识“读谱”、练习曲、然后弹奏小曲“仙翁操”、传统琴曲“秋风词”与流行曲“沧海一声笑”。除技巧外，也会讲授古琴的历史、美学及其文化内涵。

This Intermediate I class is for students who have completed the Beginner’s class. Students will learn to read more advanced tablatures (notation), correct hand postures, and more complex fingerings (separate, advance and return, back and return, lift up, knock, push out, etc.). Two or more intermediate-level pieces will be taught, including: “Lament of the Xiang River”, “Moon over Mount Guan”, and “Remembering Playing the Flute on the Phoenix Terrace”. In addition to fingering techniques, Guqin aesthetics and its cultural aspect will be presented. Students who have learned the Guqin before at other venues are welcome to join this class.

中级班：凡完成初级班的学生均可以上中级班。课程包括深入对减字谱的认识、继续学习左右手不同指法如分开、进复、退复、虚上、带起、罨、推出等、及学习“湘江怨”、“关山月”、“凤凰台上忆吹箫” 等两到三首中级曲目。也将较深入讲授古琴的历史、美学及其文化内涵。中级班也欢迎曾学过古琴的插班生。

Embark on a musical journey with our beginner-friendly pipa course! Dive into the enchanting world of this ancient Chinese instrument as we guide you through fundamental techniques, Chinese notations, and scales. Discover the rich cultural connections of music and master finger techniques to bring melodies to life. Gain historical insights into the pipa’s origins and major schools. Learn fingering techniques such as “tan, tiao, lun” (plucking, tremolo) for the right hand and “tui, la, yin, rou” (various vibratos, pitch changing, and string-bending) for the left hand. By the course’s end, confidently perform traditional gems like “Ancient Tunes of Yingzhou” (瀛洲古调) and “White Snow in Spring” (阳春白雪), alongside captivating melodies inspired by Chinese aesthetic from movies, TV episodes, and video game hits. Singing along is encouraged for those interested. Don’t have a pipa? No worries! Pipa rentals are available for a small fee. Grab your pipa and get ready to create musical magic!

This course is designed for students aiming to achieve an advanced skill level. You’ll explore the masterpiece of the pipa’s martial style, “Ambushing from Ten Sides” (十面埋伏). In addition to modern compositions utilizing numbered and staff notations, we’ll delve into the traditional Gongche notation (工尺谱) during class. Upon completing the level, students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents as soloists in formal performance venues.