ERHU LESSONS
If you are looking at learning how to play the Chinese Erhu, you have come to the right place!
The Erhu is one of the oldest solo instruments in the Chinese orchestra, capable of producing soulful tunes as well as happy tunes.
One of the struggles of learning the Erhu is the steep learning curve, especially if you are learning on your own.
In Eason Music we have a pool of experienced teachers to guide you along, so that you learn the proper way of playing the Erhu!
6 Reasons To Learn Erhu
Super expressive instrument
Light and easy to carry around
Able to mimic animal sounds
Unique tone that sounds like no other
Iconic instrument
Play anything on just two strings
ERHU
CHINESE VIOLIN
WHY EASON MUSIC?
CHOOSE YOUR OBJECTIVES
In Eason Music we recognise that different people have different objectives when learning the Erhu.
Thus the choice is yours to choose to learn for leisure or for exams.
TENG NTU-CI Exam Syllabus
This stage is for Grade 1-3 (Based on Teng - CI - NTU - Chinese instrumental examination).
During this stage, you should be able to achieve:
* Proper performing postures and techniques of using both hands
* Able to perform D major, G major and F major on the first positioning, keeping proper pitch and intonation
* Able to make use of smooth movements and co-ordinations of the arm, forearm and wrist to achieve the right hand bow techniques, and fully utilize the entire bow length
* Proper left hand posture with better finger strength control
* Able to apply vibrato(rouxian) and simple changing of the strength in expression
* Master the correct performing techniques on the 3 finger positions and to be smooth when changing positions
Grade 1 repertoire:
Ma Yi La (玛依拉), Feng Yang Hua Gu (凤阳花鼓), Nan Er Dang Zi Qiang (男儿当自强), Xiao Xing Xing (小星星)
Grade 2 repertoire:
Sen Ji De Ma (森吉德玛), Nan Ni Wan (南泥湾), Yang Ge Diao (秧歌调), Mo Li Hua (茉莉花)
Grade 3 repertoire:
Xiao Hua Gu (小花鼓), Zu Guo De Hua Duo (祖国的花朵), Mu Ren De Kuai Le (牧人的快乐), La Luo Tuo (拉骆驼)
*Progress depends on individual's efforts*
This stage is for Grade 4-6 (Based on Teng - CI - NTU - Chinese instrumental examination).
During this stage, you should be able to achieve:
* Master the techniques of fast bowing (kuaigong) and fast changing from one string to the other.
* Able to perform song pieces in the key of C major
* Able to change finger positions in a smooth manner, with good control of pitch and sense of rhythm
* Able to perform common Erhu techniques such as portamento(huayin) and vibrato(rouxian)
* Perform slow bowing with strength, giving it a full tone
* Skillful co-ordination of both hands, performing pieces with a certain level of presentation
Grade 4 repertoire:
Liang Xiao (良宵), The River's Tide (大河涨水沙浪沙), Guang Ming Xing (光明行), Chun Jiang Hua Yue Ye (春江花月夜)
Grade 5 repertoire:
Dance of the Ami Tribe (阿美族舞曲), Harvest Happiness (喜送公粮), Purple Bamboo Tune (紫竹调), Listening to the Pines (听松)
Grade 6 repertoire:
Chun Shi (春诗), Song of Birds in a Desolate Mountain (空山鸟语), Sunan Ditty (苏南小曲), Qin Feng (秦风)
*Progress depends on individual's efforts*
This stage is for Grade 7-8 (Based on Teng - CI - NTU - Chinese instrumental examination).
During this stage, you should be able to achieve:
* Master the techniques of fast bowing (kuaigong) and fast changing from one string to the other.
* Able to perform song pieces in the key of C major
* Able to change finger positions in a smooth manner, with good control of pitch and sense of rhythm
* Able to perform common Erhu techniques such as portamento(huayin) and vibrato(rouxian)
* Perform slow bowing with strength, giving it a full tone
* Skillful co-ordination of both hands, performing pieces with a certain level of presentation
Grade 7 repertoire:
Ditty of Henan (河南小曲), Reflection of the Moon on Erquan (二泉映月), Hopes of Honghu People (洪湖人民的心愿), Spring Scenery of Jiang Nan (江南春色)
Grade 8 repertoire:
Autumn Moon over the Han Palace (汉宫秋月), The Great Wall Cappricio - Third Movement Memorial Ceremony for Fallen Defenders (长城随想 第三乐章- 忠魂祭), Three Variations of the Parting at Yangguan (阳光三叠), The Lan Hua Hua Rhapsody (兰花花叙事曲)
*Progress depends on individual's efforts*
MEET OUR ERHU TEACHERS!
A student is only as good as her teacher. We only work with qualified and dedicated teachers
Chin Yen Choong
Deborah Siok
Ng Rui Jun
Chen Ning
Erhu Lessons Information
You can opt to take Erhu lessons at our studios at CT Hub 2, or at the comfort of your home. Different rates apply.What Our Students Say
Throughout these 2 years of learning the Erhu from Xiao Jin, I feel that she is always helpful and really nice with me, thus making me enjoy the lessons. I am constantly strengthening my erhu skills under Xiao Jin, and also got good results for the grading exams. Eason Music School is at a convenient place for us as our family usually go to that area on the day of our lessons for lunch.
Chen Ning is very patient and dedicated in teaching me the Erhu. I like the way she studies why I'm not getting certain techniques correct and patiently guides me even though I repeat my mistakes. I have improved over time but I'm far from being able to play independently, however slowly but surely I am sure I'll be able to! I like the location and Eason Music offers flexibility to change your lesson timing if you are unable to attend lessons. Thank you Eason!
I have been learning the Erhu from Liyang since 2019. His instructions and teachings are clear and he knows his stuff well. He is eager to teach more when the student shows ability to move further. In short, Liyang is a strict instructor who sets expectation on his student and corrects the mistakes instantly. Now, I can play the song from any score and eagerly improve on the intonation each time I practice! Eason Music isa place where Chinese Music is appreciated and sought. The instruments parts and scores are easily available for purchase and replacement. Repairs can also be done at Eason, which is a plus.
Xiaojin is an affable person with considerable expertise in Erhu. It has been about 3 years since I started to learn under her tutelage. She usually motivates and encourages me to not give up. Albeit my chinese is mediocre, I personally feel that communication wasn’t much of an issue during lessons as Xiaojin’s understanding of English is rather great. I have more confidence in playing the Erhu now, without the need to mark the notes on my Erhu, unlike before. Eason offers flexible timings, which is great for my busy schedule, and the staff are always cordial!
Xiaojin is patient, engaging, well-organised and experienced. She is also encouraging and supportive of her students. I got to learn many classical tunes I like from the NAFA syllabuses. The skills and knowledge helps me to prepare to play my favourite tunes in the future, in my free time. i like the conducive environment at Eason Music School as well the home-based learning, which was implemented during COVID-19. The school also sells a variety of Erhu and accessories. The instructors and staffs are friendly and approachable. There are many opportunities to explore and improve the learning experience of students, and Eason Music School has done very well.
My daughter, Emi, is learning the Erhu from Deborah. She kindly show how to play the Erhu and made it easy to understand for Emi. Deborah's playing is very beautiful. Emi is shy, but likes her very much. Because of Deborah, Emi is interested in music now. Thank you!
Deborah is very encouraging, and specific in pointing out areas for improvement during the lesson. My confidence level has gone up and playing has improved a lot. Eason Music also has good flexibility in lesson time as I have work commitments, and might not be able to make it for certain lessons.
Within these 2 years of learning the Erhu under Deborah, I would say that I am happy with my progress and can play some of the songs that I particularly like. Deborah is patient and clear in her instructions, which is easy for me to understand and digest them during lesson so my practices can be effective. Eason Music School also has flexibility in the timing of the lessons! Staff there also also friendly and helpful.
Need an instrument?
Of course you do! A little practise a day goes a long way.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Erhu is an instrument that is hard to pick up. One of the bottlenecks when learning the Erhu is getting used to the posture of the right hand, which you hold the bow with.
Another is with the left hand. Unlike our western counterpart the violin, Erhu does not have a fret board. It will be more challenging for learners to find and remember the position of notes and how much force to use for every note to find the correct intonation. In exchange, we have a number of techniques that are unique to the Erhu which the violin is unable to perform.
Having said that, the Erhu is an extremely rewarding and satisfying instrument to learn. An instructor can definitely make your learning much more simple and enjoyable!
The Erhu may not as loud as you might think! According to empirical research, the Erhu played at a forte level is about 80-90dB, which translates to somewhat louder than a conversation, which is about 60dB, when played at a normal level.
If you are afraid that the volume might affect your family or neighbours, the Erhu has a mute which suppresses almost half of your playing volume.
The Erhu is made up of 2 main parts. The bow and the instrument. The bow is made using either wood or bamboo, with the latter being more common. The hair of the bow is made of horsehair.
The whole instrument (pegs, body and resonating box/chamber) is made of one type of wood. Common wood types used to make Erhus are Ebony wood, Rosewood and Sandalwood. In the past, it is common to see tuning pegs are made with different wood than the main body.
Some Erhus are installed/fitted with mechanical bronze tuners. These are not as common now and the design of these bronze tuners differ between the region it is made in, such as Shanghai and Beijing.
Similar to the head of the Erhu, tuning pegs often have decorative ends that are made with plastic. In the past, they are also made with of ivory or even bone, but has since been discontinued.
The decorative piece of the Erhu's resonating box/chamber is made out of a different type of wood than the main body. The most vital part of the instrument responsible for producing the sound and vibrations of the instrument is located on the other side, which is the snakeskin.
The strings were made of silk in the past. Now, we use steel strings and some have gold or silver coated on them.