Guqin Master Classes with Professor Zeng Chengwei 23-30 July, 2005

Zeng Chengwei, Assistant Professor of Chinese music at the Chengdu Conservatory, gave 8 days of master classes on the guqin at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Eight students attended the classes. Participants developed their knowledge of the tablature notation, tuning and maintenance, and the construction of the instrument. This was an opportunity to learn pieces specific to the Sichuan repertoire directly from a master of that school. Pieces learnt by participants included: Tao Yuan (The Peach Garden), Kongzi Du Yi (Confucius Reads the Book of Changes), Liu Shui (Flowing Water) and Pei Lan (Admiring the Orchid). A guqin yaji was incorporated by the London Youlan Qin Society, during which Professor Zeng gave a most interesting talk on the history and characteristics of the Sichuan style of qin playing. It was a wonderful experience and everyone enjoyed the week of learning.