Chinese music represents thousands of years of history. From bamboo flutes to silk stringed zithers and lutes; from ancient music along the northern Silk Road to modern pop in southern cities, award-winning pipa virtuoso Zhou Yi and dizi (a Chinese transverse flute) soloist Yimin Miao take young audiences on a musical odyssey to explore the relationships between music, language, history, culture, and Eastern philosophy. This entertaining, informative and interactive assembly can be offered virtually or on-site.

The live virtual program includes a mix of pre-recorded footage, PowerPoint slides, live demonstration and performance, as well as a live Q&A. Students will have a chance to make simple Chinese percussion instruments from household items.

The in-person program encourages students to try Chinese instruments and percussion with the musicians on stage. A short question-answer period will follow.

This interactive program explores the relationship between Chinese music, language, history, and culture. Students will create their own simple version of Chinese stringed and percussion instruments by using a variety of tools and materials. Students are also encouraged to interact with the instruments to express their feelings; create their own music or collaborate as a team. This program can be developed into a 10-week residency. Can be bilingual, English or Mandarin. For all ages!

Chinese music is used in religious ceremonies, announcements, dance, for entertainment, and to communicate with nature. Traditional scholars were also master musicians. In Chinese philosophy, the character for “music” shares the same shape for “happiness.” It contains the symbol of “medicine” to indicate that music has healing powers. Through the demonstration of iconic Chinese instruments, this lecture discusses notations, scales, and phrase structures; music history and its major schools, different styles/regions/periods; and the relationship between music and art. A short question-answer will follow. For college level.