Studio Classes
Winter 2025 Registration is Now Open!
Classes Start the Week of January 6, 2025!
Register by December 5 to receive $30 discount off tuition!
This Winter, China Institute offers studio classes in the areas of traditional Chinese art including calligraphy, brush painting, as well as meditation classes including tai chi and qigong.
Our classes are not only designed to improve the tactile experiences and haptic perception of the students, but they also focus on enhancing students’ mental and physical strength that multiple researches have shown to provide long-term health benefits.
“Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health.” – Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School
“Chinese calligraphic handwriting (CCH) has demonstrated a new role in health and therapy. Meanwhile, meditation is an traditional and effective method for coping with stress and staying healthy. This study compared the effectiveness of CCH and meditation as distinctive and parallel stress reduction interventions.” – National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information
All classes at China Institute are conducted and taught by accredited instructors internationally-renowned in their respective field of training. Browse below for detailed class descriptions and instructor bios.
Contact us today for any questions regarding classes!
Available Courses
China Institute will continue to provide online Chinese Brush Painting via Zoom. The instructor Ms. Sungsook Setton will employ a flexible and creative approach to teach her virtual Brush Painting class, integrating group instruction and individual tutoring.
This class provides training in the fundamentals of traditional brush painting, its principles, techniques, subject matters and styles. Themes covered include landscapes, birds-and-flowers, insects, fish, and others. Students are trained to master brushstrokes and taught the skills of capturing the essence of forms.
- Instruction and discussion.
- Communication with instructor for commentary on individual practice.
- The class will use a combination of communication tools, including Zoom, linked to a camera, recorded videos and email correspondence for individual guidance, etc.
- The instructor will provide the zoom meeting information, as well as a brief introduction on how to use Zoom.
To watch a demo of the class, click here.
Beginner/Low Intermediate
Friday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 10 – March 14
Intermediate
Wednesday, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
January 8 – March 19 (No class on January 29)
10 sessions (20 hours)
$380 member / $420 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Registration
Calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters. Students are taught how to use the brush and given an artistic and etymological introduction to China’s system of writing, which is an important key to understanding and appreciating Chinese art, history, and culture. Students learn and practice basic brush strokes and characters in a meditative, relaxed atmosphere. Classes often begin with a demonstration, followed by time for individual attention, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Knowledge of Chinese or brush technique is not necessary. Materials are supplied for the first class only.
Schedule
Friday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
January 10 – March 14
10 sessions (20 hours)
$380 members / $420 non-members
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Maximum Number of Students: 7
Registration
Chinese Calligraphy: The Art of Regular Script (Kaishu, 楷书) II
As a continuation of Kaishu I from the Fall Semester, this course is designed to provide the next level of learning in writing Chinese calligraphy in the regular script (Kaishu). Beginning with a review of the basics, students will then explore more complex characters and build writing skills in gradual progression.
Kaishu, or regular script, developed during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) and remains the most widely used style today. Known for its clear, legible characters with balanced proportions and distinct, separate strokes, Kaishu is often taught as a foundational style for learning Chinese characters and calligraphy. This course requires students to practice outside of class and submit their work for comments and feedback…
Class Schedule
Sunday, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
January 12 – March 16
10 sessions (15 hours of virtual class instruction + outside-of-class instructor comments)
$330 members / $370 non-members
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Maximum Number of Students: 10
Registration
Through a series of gentle movements, Tai Chi can greatly improve circulation, flexibility, and endurance. It is also a great way to relieve stress, tension, and aggravation accumulated from our busy daily life. This course teaches the philosophy and practice of Yang-style Tai Chi : a short form of sixty postures developed by Grandmaster William C.C. Chen. Intermediate students will learn the long form of the Yang style, which develops core strength
Schedule
Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
January 10 – March 14
10 sessions (10 hours)
$260 members / $300 non-members
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Registration
道法自然 “Dao (or Tao) follows what is natural.” (From Dao-de Jing, 《道德经》, Chapter 25)
In our meditation and Qigong course, we delve deeply into the ancient practices designed to harmonize your body, mind, and spirit with the Dao 道. You will learn to align your internal energy, or Qi 氣 with the natural rhythms through guided meditative techniques and flowing Qigong/Taichi movements. These practices enhance physical health and emotional well-being and foster a profound sense of interconnectedness with the Dao, allowing you to experience a tranquil state of balance and unity.
The combination of the Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade (Baduanjin 八段錦-a set of medical Qigong with eight movements designed to improve overall health), Healing Standing Qigong (Zhan Zhuang 站桩) & simple Taichi movements will be introduced to generate greater flow of Qi through centering, grounding & fluidity. As you progress, you will discover how each Qigong movement mirrors the patterns of nature, embodying the Daoist philosophy of effortless action or Wu Wei 無為. The embodied understanding helps dissolve the barriers between the self and the universe, enabling a seamless flow of energy that supports your journey toward inner peace and spiritual enlightenment, empowering you to live with greater harmony and purpose.
Schedule
Thursday, 6:30 – 7:30 PM
January 16 – March 6
8 sessions (8 hours)
$260 member / $300 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Maximum Number of Students: 10
Registration
Click here to meet our studio class instructors.
Music Classes
Winter 2025 Registration is Now Open!
Classes Start the Week of January 6, 2025!
Register by December 5 to receive $30 discount off tuition!
Guqin 古琴 (In-Person)
The Guqin, regarded by Chinese as the most elegant of all their musical instruments, produces delicate music from seven strings. With a 3,000-year history, the Guqin has deep roots in Chinese culture, long being associated with Confucius, self-cultivation, scholarship, philosophy, and poetry. Favored by the elite as an elegant pastime, the Guqin was also played as a means to attain calm, nurture virtue, and promote longevity. The subtle tones of the Guqin are realized by sophisticated and elegant methods of fingering. While playing, the interaction of the two hands creates a harmonious choreography, a visual pleasure like a ballet of the fingers.
Recently the Guqin has attained renewed popularity because of its charismatic playing at the opening of the Beijing Olympics and recognition by the United Nations as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. It is featured in the theme music of several popular TV series. In addition to the fingering technique and reading notation, the aesthetic and cultural aspects of the Guqin will be taught.
成人古琴班介绍： 古琴有三千年历史， 是中国音乐史上最古老优雅的乐器。古代文人必修的四艺 “琴棋书画” 就以古琴为首，与哲学、修身、诗歌交相辉映，因此备受重视。古人认为古琴是音乐，同时也是道。所以它除了作为音乐来看待之外，还紧扣着传统的哲学和美学思想。作为中国文人士大夫的精致文化，古琴有一套完整的美学体系和弹奏的审美习惯。历代琴书均对古琴音乐的风格、指触、操缦的环境、琴声的美等作出详尽的描述，形成了古琴独特的审美理想和情调。
自从 2008 年在北京奥运会亮相后，古琴热的旋风随即在各地刮起。几套在中国热播的电视剧《三生三世十里桃 花》、《那年花开月正圆》、《大鱼海棠》 、最近的《陈情令》及张艺谋的电影《影》均以古琴作主题音乐，使其越来越为大众认识和弹奏。 这堂古琴体验课面向不需任何音乐经验的初学者，学习识谱、弹奏基本指法及小曲。完成课程后学生可以弹奏传统曲目《耕薪钓渭》、《秋风词》及流行曲《沧海一 声笑》。 体验课也会讲授古琴的礼仪（焚香、正容、冥想、调息）、历史、美学及其文化内涵。
Click here for student testimonial and here to watch instructor Mingmei Yip explain her philosophy in teaching guqin.
Available Courses
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。
Sunday, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
January 12 – March 23 (No class on March 16)
10 Sessions (15 hours)
$630 member / $670 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30
* Instruments will be provided for in-class instruction.
* Maximum Number of Students: 6
Registration
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。
Sunday, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
January 12 – March 23 (No class on March 16)
10 Sessions (15 hours)
$630 member / $670 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Instruments will be provided for in-class instruction.
Maximum Number of Students: 6
Registration
About the Instructor
Mingmei Yip
Mingmei Yip, PhD in musicology from the University of Paris (Sorbonne) on a full scholarship from the French Government. A master performer on the Qin, she has given lectures and performances at venues such as Metropolitan Museum of Art, Carnegie Hall, New York Philharmonic, Columbia University, Oxford University, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Beijing University, the University of Paris, Amsterdam University, Oberlin Conservatory, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the China Institute in New York. Mingmei has served as consultant for Beijing’s Chinese Qin Association 北京中国古琴会, director for Chinese Kun Opera and Guqin Research Association 中国古琴昆剧研究会理事, artistic consultant for New York Cultural Art Association, as well as on the academic board of the Chengdu International Qin Conference.
Also a writer, Mingmei has published fourteen books, with two on the qin. Her latest being her 7th novel The Witch’s Market (Kensington Books) which received a glowing review from the New York Times. She wrote columns for seven major newspapers and has appeared on over 50 TV and radio programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and the United States.
Mingmei is also accomplished as a painter and calligrapher. A one-person show of her paintings of Guan Yin (the Chinese Goddess of Compassion) and calligraphy was held at the New York Open Center Gallery in SoHo in 2002. Mingmei was lecturer and senior lecturer (associate professor) of music at Chinese University of Hong Kong and Baptist University respectively, and in 2005, an International Institute of Asian Studies fellow in Holland researching on the qin. She has taught qin playing and calligraphy at two major Hong Kong Universities.
Click here to listen to Guqin audio.
The Raven’s Night Cry (乌夜啼), a celebrated Guqin piece from Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) by Mingmei Yip
Pipa 琵琶 (Virtual)
The pipa, or Chinese lute, is an ancient instrument that is both elegant and playful, charming, and adaptable to both traditional and modern sounds. The origins of the pipa date back to the Han dynasty, about 2,000 years ago, when a similar type of stringed instrument was brought into China from Persia via the Silk Road. It has enjoyed wide popularity throughout its long history, especially during the Tang dynasty, and now again in our own time.
The pipa has four strings on a pear-shaped body and fretted neck. It is played by plucking and strumming much like a guitar, but is held upright with the base on the lap and the neck at the player’s shoulder.
Learning the pipa introduces the student to a wealth of tunes and an exciting solo repertoire. Pipa can also be played in Chinese instrument orchestras and ensembles, and has found its way into world music ensembles in recent years.
No musical experience necessary. Instruments are provided for in-class instruction and are available to rent at a small fee.
Click here to watch a clip of pipa performance by Instructor Zhou Yi
Available Courses
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!
Pipa Beginner I
Sunday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
January 5 – March 9 (No class on January 26 and February 9)
8 sessions (16 hours)
$640 member / $680 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Maximum Number of Students: 6
Registration
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.
Pipa Advanced III
Sunday, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
January 5 – March 9 (No class on January 26 and February 9)
8 sessions (16 hours)
$680 member / $720 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
Maximum Number of Students: 6
Registration
