China Reflection

Just like learning a language, learning any instrument takes great patience, determination, and practice. Traditional Chinese instruments have been present in China dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1122 BC—256 BC). Chinese continue to learn traditional instruments today, mixing the ancient with the modern. Learn the basics of how to play a traditional Chinese instrument of your choice during your stay in Beijing. Read below for a choice of instruments that you can learn during your stay in Beijing. As learning an instrument is no simple task, unless incredibly gifted, don’t expect to leave Beijing an expert at your instrument or Mandarin Chinese. Instead, we hope that you will leave with a basic level and understanding of both.

Instruments that we offer for study:

1. Er hu: Pronounced “Are who,” this two-stringed instrument’s earliest ancestor comes from Mongolia during the 10th century. The first known er hus in China date back to the Tang dynasty (618-907). Used in Chinese orchestras and operas, the er hu has also become an important solo instrument. With its hexagonal base covered in snakeskin, the er hu can produce haunting sounds that provide excellent accompaniment for an onstage tragedy.

2. Pipa: Also known as the Chinese lute, the Pipa is one of the oldest Chinese stringed instruments with the first pipas dating back to second century BC in Central Asia. Pipas arrived in China during the 4th century AD. Pipas typically have 4 or 5 strings, a pear-shaped body, and a crooked neck. The number of frets have increased over time, giving the modern pipa anywhere from 23-25 frets. Today the pipa is an essential solo instrument in Chinese orchestras and operas.

3. Gu Zheng (Zither): Dating back to as early as the Warring Period (475-221BC) in China, the Gu Zheng has also played a large role in the traditional Chinese stringed instrument family. With a large wooden base, red sandal for its sides and bottom, and wutong wood for the arched soundboard, the gu zheng itself is a piece of artwork. It has also evolved over time. While the first guzhengs during the Han and Jin periods (206 BC-AD 420), the modern gu zheng can have as many as 21 to 26 strings. Each string is held in place with intricately designed movable bridges. The performer plucks the strings with his/her fingernails or picks made of plastic. The gu zheng can produce magical sounds accompanying a Chinese orchestra, as well as being used as a solo instrument.

Music Classes

Our music classes will vary in length and location, depending on the instrument you select for your time of study with this program. All of the classes will either be held in the instructor’s home, or in a music shop. We do this for both the instructor’s convenience, as well as to get you, the student, out and about during your time in Beijing. Music classes will meet 3 times per week, lasting anywhere from 1 and a half to 2 hours per class. You will be practicing with your own instrument that you and your instructor choose together during your first class.

Mandarin Chinese Classes

Besides immersing yourself in Chinese through staying with a local Beijing family, China Reflection will also arrange a personal, one-on-one Mandarin tutor to suit your needs. It doesn’t matter how much Mandarin you can speak before coming to China—all levels are welcome. Our tutors are professional and experienced teachers. They will either meet you in your own home or in a place that is easy for both you and your tutor to get to. Specifics for time and location of your classes can be arranged later. The teachers will be as flexible as possible with regards to your schedule, keeping your personal space and music classes in mind.

Homestays

Because part of the goal for this program is to improve your Chinese as quickly as possible, we will arrange for you to homestay with a local family. These families are located in central Beijing, or near metro stations which can get you to central Beijing quickly. We encourage you to speak as much Chinese as possible with your host family, as it can only help you improve that much quicker. Should you have any questions about homestays, and the kinds of families we have, check out our FAQ page for a brief overview.

Sample schedule for a week’s classes:

We will try to keep our schedule as flexible as possible in order to meet your preferences for this program. Below is a sample of how one week during your stay may look should you choose this program:

Monday: 10:00am - 12:00pm: Music class 02:00pm - 04:00pm: Chinese class
Tuesday: 09:00am - 11:00am: Chinese class
Wednesday: 09:00am - 11:00am: Chinese class 02:00pm - 04:00pm: Music class
Thursday: 09:00am - 11:00am: Chinese class
Friday: 09:00am - 11:00am: Chinese class 02:00pm - 4:00pm: Music class

**Reservations for this program are for one month. Should you wish to extend your program, you may on a month by month basis, with three months being the maximum length.

Price for one month studying Music and Mandarin: US$2,880

Price Includes:

• Airport pick-up/drop off
• Two maps of Beijing
• Mobile phone card
• Homestay (internet connection, air conditioner, daily breakfast and dinner)
• Small Chinese-English dictionary
• Study textbooks
• Mandarin Chinese instructor’s fee
• Music instructor’s fee
• One day cooking class
• One day cultural excursion in Beijing
• One Beijing transportation card
• One musical instrument (er hu, pipa, or gu zheng) under 1000 RMB

Price does not include:

• International air tickets
• Laundry
• Meals that you eat outside of the ones included in homestay
• Taxi services
• Other sites visited in Beijing
• Other instruments you wish to purchase