School of Chinese Studies
Pipa 琵琶
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.
Experience the Pipa with Instructor Zhou Yi
For Adults (Ages 15+)
Pipa for Beginners Level
Virtual 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.
To participate the class online, students must have a Pipa.
Class Schedule and Tuition
Spring 2023 Schedule To Be Announced.
Pipa for Intermediate Level
Virtual 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.
To participate the class online, students must have a Pipa.
Class Schedule and Tuition
Pipa Intermediate II
Sunday, 8:00 – 10:00 PM
April 16 – June 11 (No Class May 14)
8 sessions (16 hours)
$640 member / $680 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30.00
Maximum Number of Students: 6
REGISTER
Pipa for Pipa for Advanced (Level I – Level VIII)
Virtual Course Description:
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.
To participate the class online, students must have a Pipa.
Class Schedule and Tuition
Pipa Advanced II
Sunday, 9:30 – 11:30 AM
April 16 – June 11 (No Class May 14)
8 sessions (16 hours)
$640 member / $680 non-member
Non-Refundable Registration Fee: $30.00
Maximum Number of Students: 6
REGISTER
About the Instructor, Zhou Yi:
Praised for her “breathtaking” meticulous technique and expressiveness by the Washington Post, pipa/qin soloist and educator, Zhou Yi graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China. She is the artistic director of the Ba Ban Chinese Music Society of NY.
Zhou Yi’s select performances include: Tan Dunʼs Concerto for Pipa and String Orchestra at the Gewandhaus in Leipzig Germany; Young Peopleʼs Concert with the New York Philharmonic; Bun-Ching Lamʼs Song of the Pipa and Sudden Thunder with the Sinfonieorchester Münster; Zuqiang Wuʼs Sisters of the Grassland with the Ohio Youngstown Symphony Orchestra; guest qin artist with the San Francisco Opera in Bright Shengʼs Dream of the Red Chamber; guest pipa and qin artist with the Santa Fe Opera in Huang Ruoʼs Dr. Sun Yatsen.
Zhou Yi’s teaching credits include: Joined Carnegie Hallʼs Music Explorer educational program; a teaching artist with Flushing Council on Culture & Arts in 2019; conducted music workshops in public schools for the China National Traditional Orchestraʼs U.S. tour in 2015; gave lectures at Queens and Brooklyn public libraries; performed musical demonstration for students in grades 1-5 with the Global Language Project; a guest Chinese music instructor in NYU’s East Asian Studies in 1998. Ms. Zhou’s students gained the top scores in a number of musical arts programs and have been awarded in televised talent shows.