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What is a Guqin

The Chinese zither, called guqin (古琴), has existed for over 3,000 years and represents China’s foremost solo musical instrument tradition. The guqin was an instrument of great subtlety and refinement associated with the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius. Guqin playing developed as an elite art form, practised by noblemen and scholars in intimate settings, and was therefore never intended for public performance. The guqin was one of the four arts (琴,棋,书,画)– along with calligraphy, painting and an ancient form of chess – that Chinese scholars were expected to master. The guqin has seven strings and thirteen marked pitch positions. By attaching the strings in different ways, players can obtain a range of four octaves. The three basic playing techniques are known as san (open string), an (stopped string) and fan (harmonics).

By tradition, the qin originally had five strings, but ancient qin-like instruments with 10 or more strings have been found.

On 7 November 2003, UNESCO announced that the Chinese guqin was selected as an Intangible World Cultural Heritage. In 2006, guqin was listed in the List of National Non-material Cultural Heritage in China.

Learning In A Relaxed Environment

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Guqin Lesson – Grading/Exam

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

Guqin lessons progress in three main levels: Beginner (Grade 1-3), Intermediate (Grade 4-6), Advanced (Grade 7-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.

Benefits of Learning Guqin

Increases confidence and offers a sense of achievement

Relieves stress and contributes to emotional well being

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

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Our Syllabus (Grading/Exam)

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

Grade 1 repertoire

Chant Of The Immortal (仙翁操)
Song Of The Oriole (黄莺吟)
Autumn Wind (秋风词)
Song Of The Guqin (古琴吟)
As Sweet As Honey (甜蜜蜜)

Grade 3 repertoire

Drunken Madness (酒狂)
Song To A Spring Dawn (春晓吟)
Dream Of A Butterfly (欢蝶梦)
Three Variations Of The Parting At Yangguan (阳关三叠)
Prelude To A Fair Evening (良宵引)

Grade 5 repertoire

Green Stream And Flowing Spring (碧涧流泉)
The Mantra Of Pu’an (普庵咒)
Autumn Sentiments On Lake Dongting (洞庭秋思)
Guileless Seagulls And Herons (鸥鹭忘机)
Peach Blossoms On A Spring Morning (桃源春晓)

Grade 7 repertoire

Etude Of Longshuo (龙朔操)
Dragons Roaring In The Boundless Sea (沧海龙吟)
Lament At The Changmen Palace (长门怨)
The Paulownia Leaves Dancing In The Autumnal Wind (梧叶舞秋风)
Evening Song Of The Drunken Fisherman (醉渔唱晚)

Grade 2 repertoire

Lament Of Xiang Maiden (湘妃怨)
Song Of The Sigh Of Antiquity (慨古吟)
The Phoenix Seeks His Mate (凤求凰)
The River Runs Red (满江红)
The Dawn Of Spring Over The Jade Pavilion (玉楼春晓)

Grade 4 repertoire

Moon Over Guan Mountain (关山月)
Returning Home (归去来辞)
The Diligent Study (韦编三绝)
Lamenting Yan Hui (泣颜回)
Harmony Between God And Man (神人畅)

Grade 6 repertoire

Four Seasons (四大景)
Wild Geese On The Sandbank (平沙落雁)
The Dream Of The Land Of Huaxu (华胥引)
Remembering An Old Friend (忆故人)
Lotus (莲)

Grade 8 repertoire

Flowing Waters (流水)
The Three Variations Of Plum Blossom – Adapted from Qinpu Xisheng (梅花三弄 – 据《琴谱谐声》)
Creaking Oars (欸乃)
Dialogue Between The Fisherman And The Woodcutter (渔樵问答)
The Three Variations Of Plum Blossom – Adapted from Jiaoan Qinpu (梅花三弄 – 据《蕉庵琴谱》)