What is Guzheng?
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Originated 2500 years ago, Guzheng not only has the longest history among all Chinese instruments, but is also regarded as the most representative and unique string instrument of China.
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It is the first Chinese instrument performed in the 2008 Olympic opening ceremony.
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It is the Chinese equivalence of piano.
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The development of Guzheng performances represents the history of Chinese and even the world’s art development.
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Since China is huge and contains lots of different local cultures, most of the famous pieces are actually folk songs. Hence, Guzheng playing includes various culture backgrounds and expresses a wide range of emotions.
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The most common type of Guzheng now has 21 strings, length of 163cm. One needs to use special artificial finger nails in order to produce the best sound quality.
A little more info about Guzheng
What will you achieve and what can we offer the best help?
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Upon the completion of each term, each student will receive their certification of achievement.
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A small concert/competition will be held within the class periodically, and the best performers will be given prizes accordingly.
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After the first term, basic techniques and music appreciation will be developed.
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After the second term, selected grade 1 and 2 songs will be learned and the ability to perform will be developed.
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Our teaching is student-centred. Progress will be assessed each term and the teaching approach and contents will be modified such that students will get the most out of our lessons.
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The centre will provide instruments for teaching purpose, although students are stronly recommended to have the instrument at home for your own practicing.
What will you learn?
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We have experienced and professional teachers to design courses that specifically cater to different age groups.
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We will teach you not only performing skills of Guzheng, but also the knowledge of music theories.
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We also use the unique pedagogical approaches by telling historical stories related to Guzheng and Chinese music, to enrich your learning experience.
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Occasional musical showcase lessons will help students appreciate music.
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Eventually, a Guzheng ensemble involving all students could be formed.
Course Name: (Private tuitions are available upon asking)
Guzheng - Chinese string musical instrument
Why learn Guzheng?
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Guzheng learning emphasises on individuality and uniqueness. It will allow you to stand out in a crowd of usual piano or violin players.
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Music of Guzheng is mostly story-based. In the process of learning, students can also learn both Chinese and Chinese musical culture.
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Chinese civilisation is one of the oldest human civilisations in the world. The study of Chinese musical culture is crucial to understanding the development of music and culture in general.
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The unique left-right hand coordination trains both hemispheres of the brain, thus improving body coordination.
Course details:
Students' Guzheng performance at the end of the term ceremony.
Tutor's Info:
Ms Ruoheng (Jessica) Wei, (BSc of University College London) has attained the official highest Guzheng grade (Grade 9) in 2006. She has followed the famous Chinese virtuoso Professor Qu, the executive for the Association of Eastern Guzheng Studies in China, since 7. Her performance is specialised on "Shaanxi" style which is more focused on expressing complex emotions by left hand pressing skills. Besides her achievements in the profession, she is also immesely experienced in teaching and coaching during her 8 years' private tuition and workshop holding experience.
I've really enjoyed my Mandarin and Guzheng classes at CBAC. The tutors are very dedicated and put a lot of effort into organising the classes and looking after their students, adjusting the classes to the students' needs. It's a relaxed environment for interactions among students and tutors, and they've also arrange social events for students and tutors to showcase their work and meet each other, which was good fun. I'm looking forward to trying more classes next term!
Faris Abou-Saleh
University of Oxford
* 1. Early-bird price of £180, registering 2 weeks prior to the start of each term.
2. Faculty members from University of Oxford and all students hold a valid student card enjoys a further concession rate.
3. £15/hour for step-in without registration, but requires booking in advance for the space. Please email admin@cbac-arts .org for booking your space.
4. No previous experience or knowledge is required.
5. All materials and instruments will be provided during the course.
6. All courses listed are subject to availability.
7. The regulation term for registration might vary in each term. CBAC reserves the final rights for acceptance of the applications.