Erhu
Erhu started to be popular in China during the Sung Dynasty, and underwent great development during the golden age of regional operas. In the late 1800s, under the influence of Hua Yanjun (1893-1950) and Liu Tianhua (1895-1932), the Erhu developed into solo instrument from mainly accompaniment in operas. It has a small sound box and a long neck. It has two strings, with a bow inserted between them. With a range of about three octaves, it’s sound is rather like a violin, but with a thinner tone due to the smaller resonating chamber. The Erhu assumes a central position in the modern Chinese orchestra, as well as in the accompaniment of singing, dancing, and traditional operas.
John Chiang
LanguageEnglish, Mandarin, Taiwanese
John Chiang - His music is always sensitive with very emotional expression - John is an active musician constantly performing in Asia, North America, and Europe. He served as concertmaster of Dachung Chinese Orchestra from 2004 to 2011. Among various awards and honors for this orchestra are top prize of “National Chinese music Competition”, “Spring of International Music Festival Shanghai” and had received great reviews in the papers and music magazines.
In 2007, John was the founding member of “Taiwanese Ensemble” together with three other Taiwanese musicians, and has been invited to perform in several festivals in Europe, including Busker Festival and Edinburgh Festival. He is currently a member of “TOPS”; a musician group sponsored by one of the biggest Taiwanese artistic agency “New Art, Inc.” and has performed in Taiwanese National Concert Hall, Shanghai Fashion Week, Hong Kong Art Festival, and Japanese Music Festival.
He also appears in numerous performances as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with many musicians as well as different type of performing artists.
John has won several music competitions, including First Prize of Taiwan National Music Competition and National Yellow Bell Chinese Music Competition, in the Erhu category. He also won the top prize of “best leading performer” from the Taipei Chinese Music Competition. John has also involved in several music associations, including Society of Ethnomusicology, International Association for the Study of Popular Music, Chinese Music Research. He is currently the council of Music Teachers’ Association of California and the board member/vice president of Chinese Music Teacher’s Association of North California.
No-mic Acoustic PerformanceErhu Concerto Ode to King of Western Chu (Year: 2019, National Music Concert Hall, New Art Symphony, Capacity Audience: 2022 seats)
Erhu Solo Erhu Concerto No.2 – Nostalgic Dreams of Beijing Mov. 1 (Year: 2018, Capacity Audience: 360 seats)
Erhu Solo Erhu Concerto No.2 – Nostalgic Dreams of Beijing Mov. 1 (Year: 2018, Capacity Audience: 360 seats)
Teacher’s WordsIt’s very enjoyable thing to play Erhu, which is one of the iconic traditional Chinese instruments. But before we can really express our emotion through this two strings bowed instrument, technical foundation is the gateway to the Erhu music, and the musicianship could bring us beyond the music notation. Finally, we as the experienced teacher would help the student to know how to practice; practice would build the confident to the point where you could really enjoy playing music everywhere by yourself or on the stage with your audiences.
Reviews
Ive been taking erhu lessons with John since last September and so far its been a great experience. Not only is John extremely knowledgable about the instrument, hes also a great instructor and has been very patient in helping me improve my technique. Im looking forward to continue taking lessons with him in the future!
-- Bryan Cheng
As an adult student, I really appreciated the one on one lesson provide by Aimusic. John is very detail oriented teacher, who attentively on every technique. I learned a lot and improve a lot from him, thanks a lot for his teaching.
-- Tzuyea Su
Su-Chen Liu
LanguageMandarin, Hakka, Taiwanese, English
Ms. Liu grew up in Hsinchu, Taiwan. She graduated from National Taiwan Academy of Arts Chinese Music Department with the first place in 1985. Ms. Liu was a professional Erhu player in Taipei Chinese Orchestra for 10 years since 1988. As the Orchestra member, she visited USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong & Mainland China. She taught at summer music camp hosted by Taipei Chinese Orchestra, and also taught many schools' Chinese Orchestras as an Erhu instructor. These schools include Zhongshan Girls High School, Shuguang Girls High School, Huajiang Middle School, Dafeng Elementary School, Wangxi Elementary School and Dongmen Elementary School in Taipei, and Zhongzheng Middle School and Xinyi Elementary School in Keelung. In 1998, she held a solo concert in Recital Hall of National Concert Hall in Taipei, and then immigrated to the US. She performed with Crystal Children's Choir many times since 2000. In October 2006, she performed Moon Reflection in Erquan with San Francisco Girls Chorus. In 2010, she premièred the Symphonic Suite for Erhu, Pipa & Sheng Young Impressions of the Old City with Symphony Silicon Valley and other two FYCO soloists.No-mic Acoustic PerformanceErhu solo Charm of the Tropical Island (Year: 1998, Concert hall capacity: 360 seats)
Taipei City Chinese Orchestra 1993 Bamboo (Composer: Cheng Si-Sum; Conductor: Peng Xiuwen; National Music Concert Hall: 2,022 seats)
Symphony Silicon Valley 2010 Symphonic Suite for the Erhu, Pipa & Sheng Young Impressions of the Old City (Composer: Gordon Lee, Conductor: Paul Polivnick, Concert hall capacity: 1,122 seats)
Taipei City Chinese Orchestra 1993 Bamboo (Composer: Cheng Si-Sum; Conductor: Peng Xiuwen; National Music Concert Hall: 2,022 seats)
Symphony Silicon Valley 2010 Symphonic Suite for the Erhu, Pipa & Sheng Young Impressions of the Old City (Composer: Gordon Lee, Conductor: Paul Polivnick, Concert hall capacity: 1,122 seats)
- KTSF news report by Jessie Liang, Jan 7, 2010
- Talk Tonight hosted by Jiayu Jeng, Jan 8, 2010
Student Performance
Erhu solo Czardas (Year: 2019, Theater capacity: 340 seats)
Erhu solo Spring Poetry (Year: 2019, Theater capacity: 340 seats)
Erhu solo Going to the Fair (Year: 2018, Gymnasium capacity: 1,400 seats)
Erhu solo The Moon Reflection in the Spring (year: 2011, Concert hall capacity: 1,122 seats)
Erhu unison Qinqiang Themes Capriccio (Year: 2008, Concert hall capacity: 1,122 seats)
Online Lessons and DemosFYCO Erhu
Senior Erhu
Junior Erhu
Sophomore
Freshman (after learning online for 9 months)
Senior Erhu
Junior Erhu
Sophomore
Freshman (after learning online for 9 months)
Teacher’s WordsSpeaking of Chinese musical instruments, erhu is one of the most representative ones. The undulated sound line is easy to touch people’s hearts. Children who study erhu can not only get cultural nourishment emotionally in the atmosphere of Chinese music, but also get the strength and flexibility of erhu playing skills and muscular memory from the coordination of physical movements during playing. Children can gain the benefit from it in all aspects. To master such an influential musical instrument, from learning to play with enjoyment of feelings flowing in the music, for me who has been teaching for more than thirty years, I hope I can help you!
Flyers and Recital Links
Reviews
My son, Clarence, has been taught by Liu Lao Shi since he joined Aimusic/FYCO at age 7. I still remember when he first joined the group instrumental class, he was such an energetic, restless and fidgety kid who, together with two little boys, would create all sorts of unrest and commotions in class. We, the parents who were sitting at the back, were either persuading or reproaching while suppressing our embarrassment and frustration, trying to get their attention back on to the music scores and instruments. Liu Lao Shi, on the other hand, was talking in her mellow and caring tone throughout the class, never showing a bit of impatience, even though she was like teaching a group of naughty, feisty monkeys. Liu Lao Shi is probably the most patient and loving teacher I have ever met. Her expertise in both theory and playing technique of the erhu instrument, and the way she presents and conveys the skills to her fellow students help her students to learn in the most effective way. Whether he/she is talented or ordinary, disciplined or rebellious, Liu Lao Shi will teach all she knows to everyone wholeheartedly. She deserved to be honored as the best erhu teacher in the bay area.
-- Clarence Un’s Mom
Didn’t bring your materials? Didn’t pack a pencil? Most teachers will lower your grade, deduct points, or just scold you on the spot. In Liu Laoshi’s class? No worries, just sing the piece instead! (It’s an embarrassing experience, and you will never forget anything again.) Music is music, and Liu Laoshi knows that better than anyone. I started playing erhu with just a couple years of playing piano and a tad bit longer in singing. I hadn’t quite handled nuanced and delicate music like this before, and played in a rough, uneven tone. Over the years, however, Liu Laoshi coached me patiently until I had a smoother, more melodic tone. I’m still improving, and it’s amazing how she teaches with such detail yet in a pragmatic way. All in all, Liu Laoshi’s coaching gives a well rounded and fun experience.
--Tienming Shao
My daughter, Charisse, was inspired by her older brother who is a FYCO erhu player, and she also joined Aimusic four years ago. Charisse likes to take erhu lessons with Liu Lao Shi as every time she would look forward to going to her class, whether it’s a group lesson or a private lesson. I think that is self-explanatory about what kind of teacher Liu Lao Shi is. One thing that I like Liu Lao Shi’s teaching style the most is that she never gives pressures on students, and she would present the materials in a unique way that is based on each student’s willingness to learn and his/her pace of advancement. Her goal is to ensure her class time to be the most beneficial for her students.
-- Charisse Un’s Mom
Liu Laoshi has been teaching my son since he was in elementary school. He is now a freshman in high school. Her patient and professional teaching have enabled him to not only learn a new instrument but also to play with heart. She is also very committed to her students. One time, on the day before one of his exams, my son’s Erhu string broke, and she was there to help on such short notice. If we had to rate her from 1-5, it would be a hands-down 5. We are very lucky to have been with Liu Laoshi and Aimusic School/FYCO, and we would highly recommend her for teaching young kids how to play the Erhu.
-- Justin Lee’s Mom
My son Liam has been taking Erhu lessons with Liu Laushi for 4 years. Liu Laushi is very friendly and encouraging to her students, her instruction is very clear and easy to follow so my son really like taking her classes. Most importantly, Liu Laushi really knows how to help students improving their skills and keeping them interested in learning. Thanks to Liu Laushi; every now and then, Liam would pick up a new skill from his teacher and show it to us with great excitement. Liam is very lucky to have Liu Laushi as his Erhu teacher.
-- Liam Cobb’s Mom
I am very pleased to have Ms. Liu as my daughter’s Erhu teacher. Audrey has been learning Erhu with Ms. Liu for almost 2 years. Ms. Liu is a very kind, friendly and patient with her students. She is very professional and encouraging with excellent skill and enthusiasm, making my daughter want to learn. Audrey started learning Erhu as the first instrument in music. Being lack of music fundamental background, she was nervous and found that it was difficult and almost lost her interest at the very beginning of the lessons. However, Ms. Liu is very patient and walk her through music theory, as well as the details of the Erhu. Now Audrey is not only able learning the Erhu, but playing Erhu has become one her favorite hobby. She really enjoys Ms. Liu as her teacher. Thank you for the great lessons and Audrey looks forward many more!
-- Audrey Tam’s Dad
Three years ago, my daughter Marissa started learning the Erhu with Ms. Liu without any musical knowledge. Ms. Liu is always patient with her students and can explain complex things in a way that’s easy to understand. She is also very careful in guiding students through skills ranging from music theory to Erhu fingerings. Marissa enjoys her Erhu class with Mrs. Liu and considers it one of her favorite activities each week.
-- Marissa Yu’s Mom
Churong He
LanguageMandarin
An executive director of Chinese Musician Association Erhu Society and director of China Nationalities Orchestra Society Huqin Professional Association, Ms. He entered China Conservatory of Music in 1981, following Prof. Tian Baoan and Liu Mingyuan, the most well-known Huqin virtuoso in Chinese music. Graduating in 1985, she began teaching in the Conservatory, and also winning 3rd place in Beijing Erhu Invitational that year and 2nd place in Fulitong International Chinese Instrument Solo Competition in 1995. Her etudes have been selected as part of the Chinese Musician Association National Amateur Erhu Examination Repertory, and her essays Vibrato Variety in Lanhuahua Ballade and Performing and Teaching the Henan Melody have been published in magazines China Music and China Erhu. Her article Traditional Techniques and Vibrato is included in the book ”How to Improve Erhu Performance.” Ms. He has toured Japan, Korea, and the Philippines for performances. Having taught for 30 years, her students are professionals all over as part of the most outstanding performing groups in the nation, winning various awards in national competitions, holding recitals as the youngest soloist in history, and holding the title of concertmaster in China Broadcasting National Orchestra.
Publications: Traditional Techniques and Vibrato, Vibrato Variety in Lanhuahua Ballade
No-mic Acoustic PerformanceErhu solo Hong Hu People’s Wish (Year: 2018, Concert hall capacity: 1,122 seats)
Erhu solo The Tune of Henan (Year: 2014, Concert hall capacity: 300 seats)
Erhu solo The Tune of Henan (Year: 2014, Concert hall capacity: 300 seats)
Instrument PurchaseContact admin@aimusic.us (w/ reasonable price, rental refund, trade-in and buy-back)