School of Chinese Studies

The Story of the Stone 《紅樓夢》is a bildungsroman, a tale of a battle between the flesh and the spirit, a mixture of mysticism, romanticism, realism and fatalism, a record of Taoist-Buddhist disenchantment and enlightenment, and a critique of a society abiding by the rules of Confucianism, and a novel of social commentary. It is a literary cri de coeur both celebrating the golden, languorous days of youth and lamenting the inevitability of their passing, and the pain and suffering all humans are doomed to endure – an eternal theme in literature. It is a book of manners and observations, chronicling in meticulous details the glory and decay of an aristocratic family and the roots of this glory and decay in the social and historical confines of the early 18^th century China during the last great flowering of the Chinese culture.

Cao Xueqin 曹雪芹, the creator and writer of this grand summation of classical Chinese literature (first published in 1754), towers as a novelist, thinker and poet, all three in one, quite unmatched in the history of Chinese culture.

In the three semesters starting in September 2022, the first 80 chapters of the Story of the Stone, will be studied in details, including its theme, structure and technique, and all the poetic styles in it…[Read More]

Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 10 – March 14
10 sessions (20 hours)
$540 member / $580 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
*This class will be taught in English.

The three pillars of the traditional Chinese culture, i.e. Confucianism (Rújiā), Buddhism (Fόjiā) and Daoism (Dàojiā), competed against each other, influenced each other, but maintained distinct features. Daoism (Dàojiā) originated from a book of about 5000 characters popularly named as Dao De Jing (DDJ, the Classic of the Way and Virtue) reputedly written by a legendary figure of the 6^th century BC named Laozi. For more than 2000 years this little book, in spite of its short length, has tremendously shaped the traditional Chinese culture. As Wing-Tsit Chan, a famous Sinologist, said, “No one can hope to understand Chinese philosophy, religion, government, art, medicine—or even cooking—without a real appreciation of the profound philosophy taught in this little book.” In the 16^th century DDJ entered the West, inspired many great thinkers such as Leibniz, Kant, Hegel, Tolstoy, Jung, Needham and so on, and became a master key to the traditional Chinese culture. DDJ is the second most translated book in the world after the Bible.  [Read More]

Monday, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
January 9 – March 13 (No class January 16 and February 20)
8 sessions (12 hours)
$325 members / $365 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
*This course will be taught in English.

China’s rapid economic growth, modernization and globalization have spurred astonishing social transformation in its wake. This 6-week film appreciation course explores the changing Chinese family through Chinese fictional cinema focused on the “family” theme depicted during the two decades after the late 1990s. It will focus on features made in Mainland China by the so-called fifth-and-the-sixth generations of filmmakers, and some younger, newly emerging balinghou (post-1980s) directors who came of age in the millennium.

Method of Presentation:
The course will involve a combination of screening and lectures. After an initial introduction during the first week, participants are assigned to watch a film at home each subsequent week (either on YouTube or using a film file provided by the instructor) ahead of a 90-minute Zoom-based lecture Wednesday evening. Zoom lectures will not only include discussions about the screened films–including specific visual and narrative styles, themes and what they say about changes in Chinese society–but also broader insights into China’s film industry, filmmaker strategies to cope with state censorship, as well as the political and societal context of film productions…[Read More]

The planned five films are:

1. Seventeen Years 过年回家 (1999) by Zhang Yuan 张元
2. Postman in the Mountains 那山那人那狗 (1999) by Huo Jianqi 霍建起
3. Fly with the Crane 告诉他们我乘白鹤去了 (2012) by Li Ruijun 李睿珺
4. Coffin in the Mountain 心迷宫 (2015) by Xin Yunkun 忻钰坤
5. Love Education 相爱相亲 (2017) by Sylvia Chang 张艾嘉

Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
January 11 – February 15
6 sessions (9 lecture hours)
$250 member / $290 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
 
*This course will be taught in English.

People expect that the main challenges involved in learning Chinese are things like characters, vocabulary, reading and writing, but they forget about the challenges presented by mispronunciation. This workshop is designed to help the Chinese learners who already have at least a high beginner (equivalent to Level 104 offered at China Institute) to an intermediate level of Chinese to break poor pronunciation habits and eventually master the correct pronunciation and tones of Mandarin Chinese. This workshop will not only provide a review of the Chinese sound system, but it will also help the students to overcome the difficulties and pitfalls faced by most English speakers, such as the four tones, the initials “zh/ch/sh” v.s. “j/q/x”, the tricky initial “r”, tone-sandhi, and the final “u” v.s. “ü”, etc. Through a variety of fun and efficient activities including group practice, games, and pronunciation drills, such as similar sound comparisons and mixed recognition exercises, this workshop aims to also help students recognizing the ‘mistakes’ they commonly make and understand what they are doing ‘wrong’, compared to what they ‘should’ be doing. Throughout the course, students will receive continual and immediate feedback in class and, at the end, will be on their way towards speaking with clear and correct pronunciation and tones.

Schedule:
Friday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 13 – March 17
10 sessions (10 hours)
$250 member / $290 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
*Enrollment capacity: 6 students maximum

This class is designed for students who are interested in studying Mandarin Chinese at a faster pace, i.e., completing Beginning Chinese 103 and 104 in 10 weeks. This course is a continuation of the Beginner Intensive I. Upon completion, student will be able to carry on daily conversations and master about additional 200 Chinese words and expressions. Students will also be expected to write simple sentences in Chinese characters.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success: Lower Elementary, Vol. 1 and Lower Elementary, Vol. 2.

* Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 1.

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

Class Schedule:

Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 10 – March 16
20 sessions (40 hours)
$920 member / $960 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

To register, please email [email protected].

This course is designed for absolute beginners with little or no knowledge of Chinese Mandarin. This class will introduce the phonics of Chinese Mandarin, sounds and tones, using the pinyin Romanization system. Upon completion, students will be expected to establish a solid foundation in Chinese pronunciation (initials, vowels and most importantly, the tones). In addition, students will easily master about 80 basic Chinese characters, most of which are very commonly used to construct other characters. Students are also expected to be able to conduct short daily conversations, including greetings, expressing gratitude, and introducing oneself and others, etc.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success: Threshold.

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

– Monday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 9 – March 27 (No class January 16 and February 20)
– Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 14 – March 18
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class will continue to build on the pronunciation and tones taught in Beginning Chinese 101. In addition, this course will cover the topics of making acquaintance, describing oneself, making appointments, discussing everyday situations, asking various types of questions, making suggestions or comments, etc.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success: Lower Elementary, Vol.1 (Lessons 1-6).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 14 – March 18
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class will continue to introduce new vocabulary and sentence patterns. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to communicate about daily necessities, including shopping, making a purchase, and going to the bank, among many others.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success: Lower Elementary, Vol.1 Lessons 7-12.

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 1.

Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 12 – March 16
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class will bring students to a high beginner level. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to talk about daily activities, going to the movies, taking classes, and discussing sports.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success: Lower Elementary, Vol.2 (Lessons 13-17).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 1-2.

Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 11 – March 15
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class will continue to introduce new vocabulary and sentence patterns. Topics to be covered include directions and locations, talking about personal skills, and describing sickness.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success: Lower Elementary, Vol.2 (Lessons 18–23).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 2.

Monday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 9 – March 27 (No class January 16 and February 20)
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

Following Heritage Chinese Beginner I, this course is designed specifically for heritage Chinese students who possess speaking skills but limited reading and writing skills in Chinese. More complex and functional vocabulary words, sentence patterns and systemic review of grammar will be practiced through reading texts in various cultural related topics. Writing is also an important part of the training in this class.

The textbook required for this course is Contemporary Chinese for Heritage Learners: An Introductory Text Simplified Character Version 2nd Edition, Lessons 9 ~ 14.

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon.

Monday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 9 – March 27 (No class January 16 and February 20)
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This course will bring students to the intermediate level courses, and covers topics of phone conversation, renting an apartment, going out to eat in a restaurant and watching TV programs, among many others. Upon completion, students will be able to discuss different aspects of daily life and use more complicated structures for language expressions.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success, Elementary Vol. 1 (Lessons 1-4).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 2 or 3.

Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 11 – March 15
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class will continue with Intermediate Level 201. Students will learn how to express exclamation and other emotions, explain issues, and describe resultative events.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success: Elementary Vol. 1 (Lessons 5-8).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 2 or 3

Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 12 – March 16
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class will continue with Intermediate Level 202. Students will learn how to make emphasis and comparison in a more complex way, describe events in the future, talk about experience, and so forth.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success, Elementary Vol 1 (Lesson 9-12).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 3.

Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 14 – March 18
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class is a continuation of Intermediate Chinese 205. Topics covered include entertainment and culture, etc. Students will learn grammatical points such as “把” structure in a more comprehensive way, the probable complement, and the passive patterns, among many others.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success, Elementary Vol 2 (Lesson 21-24).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 3 or 4

– Thursday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 12 – March 16
– Saturday, 12:30 – 2:30 PM
January 14 – March 18
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class is a continuation of Intermediate Chinese 208. More complex vocabulary words, sentence patterns and structures will be learned through fables and historical stories, such as a dialogue between Confucius and a fisherman, the inventor of chopsticks, the legend of the phoenix, etc. Student will be able to read Chinese literature works without much effort, and to extend on most topics.

The textbook required for this course is Road to Success, Upper Elementary Vol 1 (Lesson 9-12).

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 4.

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 14 – March 18
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This class is designed for students learned about 1,000 vocabularies and structures covering various topics in daily life or at an equivalent proficiency level but want to improve conversational skills. The class will help students speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most informal conversational and business settings. The class is highly conversational and interactive, with a focus on live conversations and discussions to achieve fluency of the spoken Chinese. Topics for discussion revolve around a wide range of themes, including latest hot topics in China and worldwide.

NO textbook is required to purchase for this class. Materials will be provided in class.

– Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 10 – March 14
– Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 14 – March 18
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This course will bring students to advanced-level classes. It is designed for students who have finished Level 209 at China Institute or anyone who has achieved an overall high intermediate level of proficiency in the Chinese language.

The textbook required for this course is HSK Standard Course 4A (上) (Lessons 1-5).

* Please purchase the required textbook(s) on Amazon or directly from the publisher’s US office, Phoenix Tree Publishing, and enter code DSTY15 at checkout for a 15% discount at www.phoenixtree.com.

Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 11 – March 15
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

The class will continue with the book Eyes on China: An Intermediate-advanced Reader of Modern Chinese. It will continue to introduce new vocabulary and sentence patterns that bridges the gap between informal spoken Chinese and more formal written Chinese. Topics include Chinese festivals, the significance of turning traditional festivals into national holidays, jingles, and Chinese sense of humor, and “Zheng Neng Liang”: an optimistic attitude, and a healthy lifestyle, and discussions on some of the major social issues currently happening in China.

The textbook required for this course is Eyes on China: An Intermediate-advanced Reader of Modern Chinese, 2019 by Princeton University Press, (Lessons 16-20).

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 4 or 5.

Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 14 – March 18
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This course is designed for those who have completed advanced courses Level 301~306 at CI and preferably for those who have also completed the Advanced Reading courses (1~6), or An Integrated Course in Advanced Chinese (1~5) at CI. It is also a course for anyone who has achieved an overall advanced level of proficiency in the Chinese language and seeks to continue their studies by reading more advanced texts. The class will be highly interactive with students participating in discussion on a wide range of thought-provoking topics on contemporary China.

The selected textbook, Literature and Society: An Advanced Reader of Modern Chinese, adopts an innovative way for students to sharpen their Chinese language abilities while learning more about important areas of Chinese culture. The students will be introduced to a variety of genres including essays, short stories, and one play, written by China’s most well-known writers such as Lu Xun 鲁迅, Lin Yutang 林语堂, Liang Shiqiu 梁实秋, and Wang Meng 王蒙. From a sociological perspective on China, the selections of literary works and essays explore the most up-to-date social issues that contemporary China has faced in recent years such as population issues, ethics, marriage, the lives of intellectuals, and challenges faced by minorities in China.

Required textbook:
Literature and Society: Advanced Reader of Modern Chinese, published by Princeton University Press, revised edition, 2016

Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 10 – March 14
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This course is designed for those who have completed advanced course Advanced Reading III at CI or for anyone who has achieved an overall advanced level of proficiency in the Chinese language and seeks to continue their studies by reading more advanced texts. The class will be highly interactive with students participating in discussions on a wide range of thought-provoking topics on contemporary China. A reader series, Reading into a New China, published by Cheng & Tsui (2017) will be used to replace a traditional language textbook. Students will read articles reflecting various social issues in contemporary China. Advanced skills in reading comprehension will be developed, along with professional speaking skills, such as discussion and oral presentation.

The textbook required for this course is Reading into a New China, 2nd Edition Vol. 1 &2 (Lessons 9-11), published by Cheng & Tsui: https://www.cheng-tsui.com/browse/reading-into-a-new-china-2e

*Upon completion of this level, students may be eligible to take the HSK 4 or 5.

Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 11 – March 15
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This course is designed for those who have achieved an overall high intermediate to advanced level of proficiency in the Chinese language and wish to advance their spoken fluency and sophistication. Students will be fully engaged in discussions on a variety of reading topics about China’s economy, politics, social and cultural issues.

NO textbook is required for this class. Materials will be provided in class.

Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 10 – March 14
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This 5-sesson short course aims to help students to stay up-to-date with the latest finance, business and tech news in China and the world through reading articles from leading news networks and government agencies. This five-week course will help learners develop reading fluency and accuracy by abundant exposure to authentic articles, analyze complex sentences and build vocabulary portfolios in the business world. Textbook is not needed for this course. Reading materials are provided before each class. Topics may be tailored based on students’ current level and interests. Reading resources are from leading news media such as Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, BBC news, Bloomberg, government agencies, and etc.

This course is designed for Chinese learners who possess a high-intermediate to advanced proficiency level in both reading and speaking skills. To evaluate your reading ability, please see a sample text here

Wednesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 11 – February 8
5 sessions (10 hours)
$250 member / $290 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

This course will bring the Heritage Chinese to its advanced level. It is designed specifically for heritage Chinese students who possess speaking skills but need to improve reading and writing skills in Chinese. An innovative textbook has been selected: The Routledge Advanced Chinese Multimedia Course: Crossing Cultural Boundaries. This book offers advanced readers the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge of Chinese through a wide range of activities designed to build up both excellent language skills and cultural enrichment. This book is designed to boost learners’ level of useful vocabulary and usage, improve in-depth reading abilities, and provide interesting and culturally important topics for discussion. Writing is also an important part of the training in this class.

Required textbook: The Routledge Advanced Chinese Multimedia Course: Crossing Cultural Boundaries, 2nd edition, published by Routledge: https://www.amazon.com/Routledge-Advanced-Chinese-Multimedia-Course/dp/041584133X

The course, Heritage Chinese Advanced IV will cover lessons 10-12.

Tuesday, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
January 10 – March 14
10 sessions (20 hours)
$485 member / $525 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

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. [Read More]

Winter Semester Starts the Week of January 9, 2023.


Tuesday & Friday, 10:00 – 11:30 AM (Beginner)
Tuesday & Friday, 2:00 – 3:30 PM (Intermediate/Advanced)
January 10 – March 17
20 sessions (30 hours)
$450 members / $490 non-members
(plus $30 non-refundable registration fee)

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.[Read More]

Class Schedule:
Friday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday, 1:30 – 3:30 PM
January 13 – March 17
10 sessions (20 hours)
$350 members / $390 non-members
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
*Enrollment capacity: 7 students maximum in each class

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.
[Read More]

Class Schedule:
Friday, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
January 13 – March 17
10 sessions (10 hours)
$260 members / $300 non-members
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)

“Dao (or Tao) follows what is natural.” 道法自然 (From Dao-de Jing, 《道德经》, Chapter 25)

Without knowing how to be natural and be at ease 自在, one cannot glimpse the “Dao”– the “Way”: harmony with the natural and balanced order of the universe. One must first experience harmony and balance within oneself to live in harmony with the outside world.

Only in a calm and clear state can we live in the present moment with joy and make better decisions. In this course, participants will learn to practice calm-abiding meditation, starting with body relaxation and gradually letting go of any subtle holding in the body and mind. Participants will also train to rest their minds for clarity through practice of various focal points. Throughout the course, a special form of Qigong (气功), the Eight Pieces of Silk Brocade (Baduanjin 八段錦) will be taught. It is a set of medical Qigong with eight movements designed to improve overall health. These movements will work on internal organs and meridians in the entire body. The instruction will focus on enhancing spinal fluidity and the silken quality of the motion to create a greater flow of Qi (energy, 气). In addition, Standing Qigong (Zhan Zhuang 站桩）& basic Taichi movements will be introduced as well. This course develops harmony and balance within oneself for people of all ages. [Read More]

8 Sessions (8 hours)
Thursday, 6:30-7:30 PM
January 12 – March 2
$250 member/$290 non-member
(plus a $30 non-refundable registration fee)
* (Maximum 10 participants)

This course is designed for adults who have not studied the qin before. The classes will explain qin tablature (notation), basic fingerings and the three tone colors: open strings, pressed tones, and harmonics. Following introduction of these fundamentals, students will practice some simple exercises, then learn three short pieces: Laughter above the Turquoise Sea, Immortals’ Chant, and Autumn Wind. Aesthetics of the qin and its cultural aspects will be presented.

Sunday, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
January 15 – April 2 (No class January 22 and March 19)
10 sessions (15 hours)
Tuition: $600 member / $640 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30
Maximum Number of Students: 6

This course will teach more complex fingerings, correct hand postures, and how to read advanced tablatures. Students will learn two to three pieces: Drinking Spree, Returning Home and Three Variations of the Yang Pass. Aesthetics of the qin and its cultural aspects will be presented. Students who have learned the qin before at other venues are welcome to join this class.

Sunday, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
January 15 – April 2 (No class January 22 and March 19)
10 sessions (15 hours)
Tuition: $600 member / $640 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30
Maximum Number of Students: 6

Course Description:

This beginner online course designed for adults will teach the basics of the pipa: fundamental techniques, Chinese notations, scales, and phrase structures. Students will also learn how Chinese language, history, and culture are manifested through classical music. Some historical information revolving around pipa will also be touched upon, such as the history of pipa and its major schools. Fingering techniques include “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. After completing all levels, students will be expected to play short traditional and modern pieces, such as Ancient Tunes of Yingzhou 瀛洲古调 and White Snow in Spring 阳春白雪. For interested students, singing along is also a skill to be practiced.[Read More]

To participate the class online, students must have a Pipa.

Class Schedule and Tuition
Saturday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
January 7 – March 11 (No class January 21 and February 4)
8 sessions (16 hours)
$640 member / $680 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30.00
Maximum Number of Students: 6

Course Description:

This online course is for intermediate students who are seeking an advanced skill level. Students will learn to compare the difference of imperial court, traditional and folk music, gain knowledge of pipa’s performance aesthetics of civil style, and understand the historical background of pipa’s famous repertoire. Some masterpieces will be touched upon, such as Spring, River, Flower, Moon and Night 春江花月夜. After finishing, students will confidently perform in front of an audience and get performance opportunities to join a professional group.[Read More]

To participate the class online, students must have a Pipa.

Class Schedule and Tuition
Sunday, January 8 – March 26
8 sessions (16 hours)
$640 member / $680 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30.00
Maximum Number of Students: 6

1/8, 1/29, 2/12, 2/19 (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time)
3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Eastern Time)
No class on 1/15, 1/22, 2/5 and 2/26

This course is for students who are seeking a more exceptional skill level. Students will learn a masterpiece of pipa’s martial style, Ambushing from Ten Sides 十面埋伏. Besides numbered notation and staff notation in modern compositions, the traditional Gongche notation 工尺谱 will also be presented in class. After completing the level, students may perform as a soloist in a formal performance venue.[Read More]

To participate the class online, students must have a Pipa.

Class Schedule and Tuition
Sunday, January 8 – March 26
8 sessions (16 hours)
$640 member / $680 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30.00
Maximum Number of Students: 6

1/8, 1/29, 2/12, 2/19 (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Eastern Time)
3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26 (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern Time)
No class on 1/15, 1/22, 2/5 and 2/26