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What is a Guzheng

Guzheng is the romanization of 古箏. 古(gǔ) means ancient. 箏(zhēng) refers to a zither-type instrument. Guzheng means a zither with fixed bridges on both ends and moveable bridges in the centre.

The guzheng traces its roots to China before the 6th century BCE. The oldest zheng found so far dates to about 598 BCE. The guzheng became prominent in the Qin dynasty and by the Tang Dynasty, it has become the most commonly played instrument in China.

The modern guzheng commonly has 21 strings, 64 inches (1.6 m) long, and is tuned in a major pentatonic scale. It has a large resonant soundboard commonly made of Paulownia wood. Other components are often made from other woods for structural or decorative reasons. Guzheng players often wear finger picks made from materials such as plastic, resin or even tortoiseshell. Its beautiful timbre and broad range, rich performance skills has been deeply loved by many people around the world.

HSA’s Guzheng Course Structure

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Guzheng Lessons – Grading / Exams

Guzheng classes at Heritage Strings and Arts focus on building a strong foundation in music knowledge and playing techniques.

Guzheng lessons progress as follows: Beginner (Grade 1-3), Intermediate (Grade 4-6), Advanced (Grade 7-8), and Professional (Certificate in Professional Performance- Diploma). Each level is taught in a progressive and cumulative manner to optimise the potential of each student.

Lessons for beginners will involve the learning of string plucking techniques and reading of musical notes from traditional Chinese pieces. String play mastery and the learning of music pieces will be in accordance with the students’ learning ability and pace. Prior music experience is not required.

One-to-one classes are 45 minutes long and 60 minutes for group classes (2-4pax).

 

Techniques are taught in a progressive manner

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Guzheng Lessons – Leisure / Contemporary Songs

Our teachers can also teach a range of songs from the traditional to the modern. Students can discuss with our teachers regarding the contemporary songs they want to learn and our teachers will arrange the lessons accordingly. Prior music experience is not required.

Modern / Contemporary Songs

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Benefits of Learning Guzheng

Increases confidence and offers a sense of achievement

Relieves stress and contributes to emotional well being

Encourages creativity and imagination

Shape abilities and character

Helps develop the brain

Teaches discipline, focus and co-ordination

It is fun and a form of self-expression

Appreciate the history and culture of this 3000 year old instrument

Cultivates music appreciation and social skills

Teaching Philosophy

At Heritage Strings and Arts, dialogue between teacher and student, in the musical sense, is greatly valued. We believe this is a direct way to build harmony, trust and connection in the process of learning music. The vision behind HSA is to inspire students to be passionate about the art form, only then will the appreciation and discipline follow.  We emphasize that students learn with an open mind and enjoy the process of learning. After students are taught the grammar of music, they are encouraged to push boundaries with their own imagination and creativity.

Performance Opportunities

We organise annual student performance concerts where you will have the opportunity to perform and mingle with other Guzheng (古筝) students. Expect an exchange of skills, social interactions, and fun. Such opportunities allow students to perform in front of an audience and overcome stage fright. Performance opportunities are a chance for you to showcase your Guzheng (古筝) playing. It is not compulsory and students may volunteer if they wish to perform.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES!

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Courses

Guzheng lessons and training progresses in the following levels:
  • Beginner (Grade 1-3)
  • Intermediate (Grade 4-6)
  • Advanced (Grade 7-8)
  • Professional (Certificate in Professional Performance-Diploma)
  • Leisure (Modern and Contemporary Music)

Each level is taught in a progressive manner to optimise the potential of each student.

Lessons for beginners will involve the mastering of fingering positions and the reading of traditional music pieces. String play mastery like plucking and learning of music pieces will be in accordance with the students’ learning ability and pace. No prior music experience is required.

One-to-one classes are 45 minutes long and 60 minutes for group classes (2-4pax).

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Our Syllabus (Grading/Exam)

Our syllabus is based on the Teng Academy Graded Examinations for Chinese Music Instruments. Students will also learn under the NAFA (CCOM) syllabus to master a range of technical finger practices and traditional pieces.

🔻 Please click on the image below to view our practice playlist. 🔻

 

Grade 1 repertoire
  • Cloud (云)
  • Going to School (上学去)
  • Meng Jiang Nu (孟姜女)
  • Good Friends (好朋友)
  • Six Tunes (老六板)
Grade 3 repertoire
  • Cloudy Day (天黑黑)
  • To The Tune of The Moon Over the River (西江月)
  • Glorious Labour (劳动最光荣)
  • The Little Girl Who Picks Mushrooms (采蘑菇的小姑娘)
  • I Have A Little Donkey (我有一只小毛驴)
Grade 5 repertoire
  • Ga Da Mei Lin (嘎达梅林)
  • Auspicious Cloud (云庆)
  • Glowing Red Morningstar Lilies (山丹丹花开红艳艳)
  • Yanbian Folk Song (延边民歌)
  • The New Song of Dongting (洞庭新歌)
Grade 7 repertoire
  • No.13 Guzheng Exercise (古筝练习曲第十三首)
  • Fighting Against Typhoon (战台风)
  • The Tune of Qin Mulberry (秦桑曲)
  • Spring of the Snow Mountain (雪山春晓)
  • Dance of the Yi Tribe(彝族舞曲)
Grade 2 repertoire
  • Grade 2 Exercise （二级练习曲）
  • Birds Worshipping The Phoenix (小鸟朝凤)
  • Wa Ha Ha (娃哈哈)
  • Feng Xiang Ge (凤翔歌)
  • Shavings of Wind (刮地风)
Grade 4 repertoire
  • Little Shepard (小放牛)
  • The Sun In The Hometown (故乡的太阳)
  • Songs of Fishing Boats (渔舟唱晚)
  • Spinning and Weaving (纺织忙)
  • Spring Sprouts (春苗)
Grade 6 repertoire
  • Left and Right Hand Luncuo Exercise (双手轮撮练习)
  • Drum of the Fragrance Hill (香山射鼓)
  • Harvest Drums (丰收锣鼓)
  • The Lotus That Stands Out (出水莲)
  • Liuyang River (浏阳河)
Grade 8 repertoire
  • Galloping (奔驰)
  • High Mountain and Flowing Mountain (高山流水)
  • The General’s Command (将军令)
  • The Rising Moon (月儿高)
  • Jasmine Flowers (茉莉芬芳)
Grade 1 repertoire
  • Cloud (云)
  • Going to School (上学去)
  • Meng Jiang Nu (孟姜女)
  • Good Friends (好朋友)
  • Six Tunes (老六板)
Grade 2 repertoire
  • Grade 2 Exercise （二级练习曲）
  • Birds Worshipping The Phoenix (小鸟朝凤)
  • Wa Ha Ha (娃哈哈)
  • Feng Xiang Ge (凤翔歌)
  • Shavings of Wind (刮地风)
Grade 3 repertoire
  • Cloudy Day (天黑黑)
  • To The Tune of The Moon Over the River (西江月)
  • Glorious Labour (劳动最光荣)
  • The Little Girl Who Picks Mushrooms (采蘑菇的小姑娘)
  • I Have A Little Donkey (我有一只小毛驴)
Grade 4 repertoire
  • Little Shepard (小放牛)
  • The Sun In The Hometown (故乡的太阳)
  • Songs of Fishing Boats (渔舟唱晚)
  • Spinning and Weaving (纺织忙)
  • Spring Sprouts (春苗)
Grade 5 repertoire
  • Ga Da Mei Lin (嘎达梅林)
  • Auspicious Cloud (云庆)
  • Glowing Red Morningstar Lilies (山丹丹花开红艳艳)
  • Yanbian Folk Song (延边民歌)
  • The New Song of Dongting (洞庭新歌)
Grade 6 repertoire
  • Left and Right Hand Luncuo Exercise (双手轮撮练习)
  • Drum of the Fragrance Hill (香山射鼓)
  • Harvest Drums (丰收锣鼓)
  • The Lotus That Stands Out (出水莲)
  • Liuyang River (浏阳河)
Grade 7 repertoire
  • No.13 Guzheng Exercise (古筝练习曲第十三首)
  • Fighting Against Typhoon (战台风)
  • The Tune of Qin Mulberry (秦桑曲)
  • Spring of the Snow Mountain (雪山春晓)
  • Dance of the Yi Tribe(彝族舞曲)
Grade 8 repertoire
  • Galloping (奔驰)
  • High Mountain and Flowing Mountain (高山流水)
  • The General’s Command (将军令)
  • The Rising Moon (月儿高)
  • Jasmine Flowers (茉莉芬芳)

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Guzheng (古筝) Lesson
  • Grading Exams Preparations
  • DSA Preparations
  • Traditional / Pop Music

Getting A New Instrument?

Don’t have your own Guzheng (古筝) to get started on your musical journey? Browse our curated collection of Guzheng (古筝) at our Heritage Strings, catering to all musical levels.

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