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Erhu Lessons

Erhu lessons are ranked among the top three most popular lessons at Eight Tones Music School. The heart wrenching notes of the Erhu have the ability to touch the hearts of many. Its warm and soulful tones allow for the expression of diverse moods and emotions. When played properly, the sound of Erhu can be smooth, sweet, songlike, or plaintive. Immerse yourself in this beautiful and expressive instrument today! No prior background is needed for you to start Erhu lessons. Our lessons are conducted in either one-to-one format or in a group lesson format. One-to-one Erhu lessons will have a more flexible schedule and efficient pacing, whereas group Erhu lessons will be more affordable and you will have fun learning with other students.

*If you are not living in Singapore or it is inconvenient for you to attend lessons in person, you can also sign up for our online Erhu lessons (click here to find out more).

Featured Collaborations

*Erhu Trial lesson is chargeable

Our lessons are mostly physical one-to-one at our school, however you can also learn in a group or learn online as well. Click on the pictures below to check them out.

Through learning Erhu, you can also gain a greater understanding in Chinese culture and history, all while having fun and taking a break from the stresses of life. We want to fully support you in your journey of incorporating music into your life and nourishing your soul, by providing the best expertise and service that would help you flourish in your learning. You can focus on the pure learning experience and leave the rest to us – it is just this simple!

No prior music background is needed. Be it for leisure or for graded examinations, your teacher will design a specialised learning programme tailored to your learning needs to help you set goals and achievable targets. With time, you can expect to expand your repertoire and play your favourite tunes effortlessly!

What Students Are Saying

What Is an Erhu?

The Erhu (Chinese: 二胡) is a Chinese two-stringed fiddle which first made its appearance during the Tang Dynasty. In the 1920s, the Erhu evolved to its modern form as we know today – a resonator box with strings strung over it and played using a bow. It is a member of the Huqin family, which refers to all Chinese bow stringed instruments, including the Jinghu, Cantonese Gaohu, and Banhu amongst many others. In the Chinese orchestra of today, the most commonly played instruments are the Erhu, Gaohu and Zhonghu.

Why Learn to Play the Erhu?

Our Erhu Teachers 

Our Singaporean Erhu teachers are well trained to conduct Erhu lessons in a fun and engaging environment. With a wealth of experience playing and teaching the Erhu, we are able to customise lessons to provide you with a unique structure catering to your ability and needs. Most of the lessons are conducted one-to-one, but if you would like to keep learning economical, you can consider signing up for our Group Classes.

Hailing from a prestigious lineage, our teachers are either conservatory trained, or students of Zhang Yuming, a first-grade performer in China, and of Li Bao Shun, the concertmaster of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

Five Erhu teachers from our highly dedicated Eight Tones teaching team in a group photo

Versatile And Virtuosic Erhu Teachers

Not only can our teachers teach, they are also professionals who are extremely skilled and versatile in Erhu. This makes learning Erhu much more fun and interesting as our Erhu teachers have in-depth knowledge to impart. And, if you need to learn advanced or higher level pieces, our teachers will have a capabilities to teach you as well, your learning journey will be boundless.

Click on the video above to catch the touching performance of the 二泉映月 Erquan Yingyue (Moon’s Reflection On Erqaun) Huqin Quartet Music Video, performed by our Erhu teachers – Shunta Goh, Deborah Siok and Chen Ning

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Our teachers are not only highly skilled at playing the Erhu, but also possess deep knowledge of the mechanisms of the instrument itself, and so are in the best position to offer advice on finding an Erhu most suited to your needs. They would be able to tell the difference between the different types and grades of wood and snakeskin, therefore being able to offer an informed opinion with regards to purchasing the right Erhu that would best suit your needs, personality, and playing style.

Taken a liking to a particular piece? Our teachers will help you learn the score and play the piece. We were once students like you, and so we fully understand your needs and difficulties, and are here to provide our full guidance and support.

Buy Erhu Chinese Instrument

Don’t have your own Erhu to get started on your musical journey? Browse our artisan collection of Erhu at our Eight Tones Music Store, catering to all musical levels. Instruments will be provided during your music lessons. However, you will still require a personal instrument for daily practice. Click on the button below to start shopping. 

Write-up Of Our Erhu Teachers

Click on the profile picture and names below to view the full write-up of our Erhu instructors

Teaching Methods/Pedagogy

Here at Eight Tones Music School, we believe in a student-led music education. Our teachers are able to work with students of all ages and abilities, ranging from Children to Adults. We take pride in nurturing each individual and ensuring that every student leaves each lesson with a sense of fulfilment. Be it for leisure, for learning the basics, for building a solid foundation or for intensive examinations preparations, our teaching team caters to the unique learning needs of each student.

With Erhu lessons, you can expect to be taught proper bowing techniques in order to produce a clean and clear sound. When you are taught good bowing techniques, there will not be any creaking/croaking noises. You will be taught proper fingering techniques, e.g. how to cradle the Erhu and play using your fingertips. Proper technique is vital, and provides the basis for excelling on the Erhu.

Our Erhu teachers will teach you about various basic aspects of instrument maintenance, such as the tuning of strings, applying rosin to the bow, and the changing of strings. We strive to teach each student to be independent in taking care of their own instruments.

We teach at your pace. Did we mention that we teach pop music too? Playing the Erhu is a great way for you to destress and unwind after a long day, by soaking in its mellow and soothing tones.

If you have no musical foundation in any instruments, fret not – our teachers are able to help you build a solid foundation so as to take your musical journey to greater heights. We have Erhu students in their 60’s and 70’s who have made great progress and successfully learnt how to play the Erhu well. With a good foundation, you can progress smoothly in your learning journey without worrying about being held back by fundamental errors.

Right techniques and good playing habits are vital to succeeding in your exam. Our lessons will help you learn how to avoid common mistakes made during examinations.

*Erhu Trial lesson is chargeable

Student Performance Opportunities & Exposure

Giving our students exposure and performance opportunities is our priority. If you are looking to learn an instrument in order to perform, we would present to you such opportunities – our annual school showcase performance, and also a chance for you to be featured in our music videos (check out the video below or click here).
Having performance opportunities will greatly polish your skills and help in your learning journey, however, this is totally optional if you are learning for your own leisure and have no interest in performing.

Our Chinese New Year Music Video, performed by our students – Claire (Pipa), Aron (Ruan), Celeste (Guzheng) and Kai An (Dizi)

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Our Annual Student Concert (2022) – free for all students to perform and showcase

Unsure of Which Chinese Instrument To Learn?

Do you know that Chinese Instruments are categorized to 4 main sections? 吹,拉,弹, 打, which translates respectively to – Woodwinds, Bowed Strings, Plucked Strings and Percussion.

Find out more about the different Chinese instruments in our weekly 60 minutes workshop, where you will be exposed to various Chinese instruments such as the Erhu, Guzheng, Dizi, Ruan and Pipa.

Purchase your tickets today by clicking on the button below.

Benefits of Learning the Erhu

Chinese orchestra instruments
Strenghtens Neurophysical Connections
Chinese orchestra instruments
Cultivates Social Skills
Chinese orchestra instruments stimulates creativity
Encourages Creativity
Chinese orchestra instruments
Offers a Sense of Achievement
Chinese orchestra instruments
Relieves Stress
Chinese orchestra instruments
Heightened Self Esteem & Confidence
Chinese orchestra instruments
Strenghtens Neurophysical Connections
Chinese orchestra instruments
Cultivates Social Skills
Chinese orchestra instruments
Relieves Stress
Chinese orchestra instruments stimulates creativity
Encourages Creativity
Chinese orchestra instruments
Offers a Sense of Achievement
Chinese orchestra instruments
Heightened Self Esteem & Confidence
Learning the Erhu can help strengthen the parts of the brain responsible for coordinating motor ability, especially regions controlling fine motor skills that are not often tapped into during one’s daily life. Moreover, the constant exchange between performing the tasks of listening and physically controlling the instrument while playing on the Erhu strengthens vital neural connections that will help build new cognitive abilities or slow down the brain’s ageing process.

On Your First Erhu Lesson

Our teacher will discuss your goals and expectations with you and design a suitable course curriculum, be it for leisure, foundation building, or examinations.

If you do not have an Erhu and would like to buy one from our store, we will help you pick an instrument which is most suited to you.

Our teacher will discuss your goals and expectations with you. If you would like to expand your repertoire, build on your foundation, or fulfil some other learning goal, our teachers will design a suitable course curriculum for you.

It would be beneficial for you to bring your own instrument to your Erhu lesson as your familiarity with the instrument will aid in your learning.

Syllabus

The below is based on NAFA (CCOM) Instrumental Erhu Examination (click here for the NTU – TENG examination structure)

Grade 1 – 田园春色, 箫, 凤阳花鼓, 迷胡小曲, 西藏舞曲, 长城谣

Grade 2 – 小花鼓, 黄水谣, 沂蒙山小调, 窗音, 快樂的校园, 春雨

Grade 3 – 山村变了样, 良宵 (除夜小唱), 赛马, 喜唱丰收, 拉駱驼, 新农

Grade 4 – 光明行, 奔驰在千里草原, 喜送公糧, 赶集, 北京有个金太阳

Grade 5 – 翻身歌, 空山鸟语, 烛影摇红, 陕北抒怀, 流波曲

Grade 6 – 葡萄熟了, 江南春色, 月夜, 江河水, 听松

Grade 7 – 春诗, 豫北叙事曲, 草原新牧民, 洪湖人民的心愿

Grade 8 –  秦腔主题随想曲, 三门峡畅想曲, 二泉映月, 病中吟

Grade 9 –  一枝花, 蓝花花叙事曲, 新婚别, 长城随想 (二胡协奏曲主旋律谱)

Diploma – 阳光照耀着塔什库尔干, 第一二狂想曲, 流浪者之歌, 贵妃情

Why Choose Us?

Chinese instruments lessons
Easy Scheduling
Chinese instruments lessons
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Chinese instruments lessons
100% Pass Rate in Examinations
Chinese instruments lessons
Stress-Free Environment
Chinese instruments lessons
Centrally Located
Chinese instruments lessons
Versatile and Experienced Teachers
Chinese instruments lessons
Easy Scheduling
Chinese instruments lessons
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Chinese instruments lessons
100% Pass Rate in Examinations
Chinese instruments lessons
Stress-Free Environment
Chinese instruments lessons
Centrally Located
Chinese instruments lessons
Versatile and Experienced Teachers

Group Lesson

$20
Per Lesson

Features

  • Fun Learning Together
  • For Beginners
  • Structured Fixed Syllabus
  • Not For Advanced Level
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Recommended

Beginner One-to-One*

$50
Per Lesson

Features

  • Fast Track Learning
  • Best For Beginners
  • Tailor-made lessons
  • Learn Any Pieces You Want
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Frequently Asked Questions

For more information, click here

Yes, our teachers will teach you how to play the Erhu right from the very beginning, starting with the fundamental skills of score reading and basic technique, to solo performances and exams.
Everyone is encouraged to learn music as there are immense benefits. It is never too late; you are never too old to start your journey with Chinese music instruments. We have Erhu students in their 60s and 70s who have made great progress and successfully learnt how to play the Erhu well. Speak to our friendly staff for more information.
Our Erhu lesson schedules are flexible. Most students come for lessons weekly so that they have sufficient time to consolidate what they have learnt, and practice bowing and fingering techniques for their next lesson. If you see the need to come more frequently or for extended durations, we are able to accommodate your needs.

We recommend individual lessons, with one student to one teacher. This is so that you will receive the undivided attention of the teacher for a higher quality of learning.

Lessons can be taught individually or in groups of not more than four. If you have a budget constraint or would like to just try out Erhu first, you may join our leisure Erhu group lesson.

Our teachers are able to speak both English and Chinese proficiently.

You will be taught by the same Erhu teacher from beginning till end, unless you make arequest to change teachers.

Yes, our teachers can also teach both English and Chinese pop songs. However, do let us know in advance so our teachers can prepare the necessary teaching materials.

You can purchase an instrument at our school. Our teachers possess deep knowledge of the workings of the Erhu, and are able to tell the difference between the types and grades of wood snakeskin, thereby being in the best position to advise you on purchasing an Erhu best suited for you based on your needs, budget, and physique.
You are welcome and even encouraged to bring your own Erhu to lesson. However, if you find it inconvenient to do so, you may opt to use a practice instrument during your lesson.
Trial lessons are offered one time per instrument and to be paid for after the lesson. If you are unavailable to come for a trial lesson that you have booked, you will have to inform the school within 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in a prepaid trial lesson for your next booking.

The modes of payment we accept are cash, NETS, cheque, PayNow, and bank transfer.

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