Sheng
Sheng is one of the oldest instruments. In ancient China, the Sheng played an important role in court music, folk ensembles, and accompaniments for musical storytelling (Quyi) and regional opera (Xiqu). Most modern Sheng consists of 21 or 36 reeds mounted in bamboo pipes with different lengths. Sounds are produced by blowing and sucking the air through the mouthpiece. By virtue of its construction, this unique instrument is capable of making up to six notes simultaneously. Western people commonly call it the “mouth organ”.
Ying Dong
Ying Dong, the first female to obtain the master’s degree in Chinese wind music from the Central Conservatory of Music. She was a member of the China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra. Ying is currently a member of ConTempo Beijing Chamber Orchestra, China Musicians Association, Singapore Sheng Association, and the Executive Director of Sheng Committee under the Chinese Orchestral Society.
Ying has performed and given lectures and master classes in many cities of China, Japan, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, USA, Canada, Singapore, Korea, Germany, UK, Poland, Denmark, and Malawi, as well as being part of a jury committee for various competitions.
As soloist, she has collaborated with Beijing Symphony Orchestra, China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, China Central Chinese Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Denmark Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Germany Ensemble Modern, Germany Nationaltheater-Orchestra Mannheim, Japan Nipponica Orchestra, Korea Gyeonggi Provincial Traditional Orchestra, Korea National Traditional Orchestra, Mexico UNAM University Symphony Orchestra, Russia Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Russia St. Petersburg Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, among many others.
Ying has worked closely on recordings with conductors and composers including Pyung-Yong Lim, Wenjin Liu, Shaojia Lv, Jiapeng Peng, Lihua Tan, Jean Thoreal, Inada Yasushi, and Yi Zhang. She recorded many world premiere works.
Ying released her live recording solo album with China Record Shenzhen in 2010. Her solo and chamber playing can be also heard in many other albums, include “和” (Harmony) by Korean Gyeonggi Traditional Orchestra, “The new style modern music played by heart” and “Whispers of a Gentle Wind” by China Record Shenzhen, to name a few. She has also done studio sound track recordings for movies. In 2017, as a representative from the music and arts field, Ying was invited by China National Centre for the Performing Arts and Discovery Channel to participate in the documentary China: Time of Xi.”
Major awards
- 2016, Gold prize, The “HongFuBei” Sheng Competition, Chamber Division
- 2009, Silver prize, The 7th China “Golden Bell” Music Competition
- 2008, Gold prize, The 2nd International Chinese Instrument Competition
- 2004, Second prize, The 1st Chinese Nationalities Orchestra Society Sheng Solo Competition
2010 Gyeonggi Provincial Traditional Music Orchestra DVD
2011 Whispers of a Gentle Wind DVD
2013 New Style Music of Heart DVD
2015 Shanghai International Sheng Music Week at Shanghai Conservatory of Music DVD
Memory of Snow by Bo Li
Capriccio of the Swan by Fu Tang
Pine-Soughing Valley by Guoping Jia
Sheng Premiere Sound from Tibet 2012 String Orchestra by Wenjing Guo
Sheng Premiere The Harvest Year by Songhua Gao
Rainbow by Wenjin Liu
Rainbow at Golden Bell Awards Ceremony
Taxkorgan Sunshine
Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson for Christmas
Groovin’ Boogie by Alex Pawlowski, Arranged for Chinese Instrument Sheng
Dialogue of Reeds for Sheng and Accordion by Henglu Yao
Happy News from Beijing for Sheng and Accordion by Henglu Yao
One minute on stage takes ten years of hard work. Only by practicing hard all the time can you become the much-admired you on the stage. Learning music can help students develop a character of perseverance and cultivate the appreciation for art. The experience of performing onstage builds confidence and teamwork. In the long journey of life, music is a good friend who can accompany you throughout.
Learning and playing music enlightens one’s mind and soul. Everyone who loves music is welcome to join us in making a wonderful world together.
Fenglin Zhang
Mr. Zhang started his study of the Chinese instruments since childhood. After 10 years of systematic and professional training, Zhang graduated from China Conservatory of Music in 1985. He entered China National Opera Theater as the Sheng and Xun performer for 15 years. Along with the Theater, Zhang performed more than 1,000 shows all over China. He also performed on air for CCTV's live music programs, made many recordings, and participated in numerous national and international arts activities, visiting Japan, Russia and a dozen other countries/regions. Zhang performed in the 1st and 2nd China Arts Festival as a lead musician in the Theater. He won the Excellent Performer Award in 1991 given by the Department of Culture for his performance in Tibet. Zhang performed with the Theater for President Bill Clinton during his visit in China in 1998, and was granted the honor to meet with the President.Student Performance
Sheng unison Red Flowers Everywhere (Year: 2019, Concert hall capacity: 1,122 seats)
Junior Sheng
Sheng student (after learning for 9 months)
This is the second year that my son takes music lessons from Mr. Zhang. Our family feel so blessed that he gets to learn from one of the best Sheng masters in the whole world! We have been thoroughly impressed with Mr. Zhangs passion and love for music and the dedication to the students he teaches. He is extremely patient and encouraging, and gives each student individualized instruction and guidance. He customized the music and lessons to the students current skill level while at the same time providing challenges to keep the learning process going. My son loves the Sheng class very much, and is always motivated to practice and play Sheng. We are tremendously grateful to Mr. Zhang for being such an amazing and superb music teacher!
We are so glad that Aimusic offers high-quality online lessons right after the shelter-in-place order. Mr. Zhang is extremely patient and gives individualized instruction. Recently the kids also have ensemble classes online. It is great that they get to stay connected with friends and practice together. Thanks so much teachers!
– Parents of Jonathan Li
Thanks to the school for overcoming difficulties during the epidemic, and continuing to teach in an online way, so that students will not interrupt their learning. Even if it is replaced by online teaching, Teacher Zhang ’s enthusiasm for class is not diminished. What a big difference, I really appreciate the efforts and arrangements of the school and Teacher Zhang.
– Parents of EVAN LI
Thoughts about the online class: We are very happy that Emerson has provided high-quality online courses and is now in the local residence. Teacher Zhang is very patient and gives individual guidance to students. The children have also had an ensemble recently. They can stay in touch with their friends and practice together, which is great. Thank you very much teachers!
– Samuel FONG’s parents
@dafeng Due to the family order, the Philharmonic class was changed to the online class. The effect cannot be said to be exactly the same as going to the classroom, but it is very close. The instrument class becomes one-on-one, and the teacher’s guidance to the children is more targeted, but due to the limitations of the network, sometimes it takes more time to explain clearly. I am still very grateful that during such extraordinary times, the child can continue to take music lessons and do meaningful things, which will help the child to live as normal as possible during this time.
– Kyle huang’s parents