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Pipa Lessons

The Pipa (Chinese: 琵琶) is a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument belonging to the plucked category of instruments. For thousands of years, the Pipa has been known as the “King” of Chinese instruments. With its bright distinct sound, wide array of playing techniques, and expressive depth, the Pipa has gained dominance in Chinese folk music and even in Chinese literature. Be enchanted by this unique instrument today; no prior background is needed to start your learning journey.

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Why Learn to Play the Pipa?

Pipa Lesson Description

Join our Pipa courses designed to cater to musicians of all ages and skill levels. Master the essential techniques of playing the Pipa through utilizing original Pipa course materials and a syllabus meticulously designed and curated by our qualified instructors.

*Trial Pipa lesson is chargeable

Let our instructors guide you through your musical journey with our wide repertoire of music in different folk styles and in even genres like pop and jazz. We welcome you with open arms even if you are a beginner with no prior background in Chinese music. Students who wish to learn for leisure need not take the Pipa grading exams. However, if you would like to take the Pipa grading exams, we can prepare you according to both the syllabuses from the Confucius Academy – NTU as well as from NAFA – Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing.

In this fun and relaxing learning environment, you will get to learn basic techniques, etudes and melodies.  Contact us today!

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.

What Students Are Saying

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.

We teach at your pace. Did we mention that we teach pop music too? Playing the Pipa 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 Pipa students in their 60’s and 70’s who have made great progress and successfully learnt how to play the Pipa 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.

Don’t have your own Pipa to get started on your musical journey? Browse our curated collection of Pipa 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. 

On Your First Pipa 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 Pipa 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 Pipa lesson as your familiarity with the instrument will aid in your learning.

Syllabus

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

Grade 1 – 工农一家人, 孟姜女, 银绞丝, 小十面, 老六板 (加花)

Grade 2 – 旱天雷, 茉莉花, 老花六板, 小月儿高, 紫竹调, 三六

Grade 3 – 小猫钓鱼, 迎春舞曲, 马兰开花, 绣罗裙, 一枝梅, 阳春曲 (传统古曲,版本不限)

Grade 4 – 大浪淘沙, 欢乐的日子, 飞花点翠, 送我一枝玫瑰花, 彩云追月

Grade 5 – 彝族舞曲, 昭君出塞, 天山之春, 赶花会, 寒鸦戏水

Grade 6 – 唱支山歌给党听, 高山流水, 歌舞引, 火把节之夜

Grade 7 – 虚籁, 远方的客人请你留下來, 江南三月, 新翻羽调绿腰

Grade 8 –  渭水情, 春雨, 霸王卸甲(传统古曲, 版本不限), 塞上曲 . 思春(传统古曲, 版本不限)

Grade 9 –  草原英雄小姐妹, 诉—讀白居易《琵琶行》有感, 龍船 (可从出版的三种版本中择一演奏), 十面埋伏 (传统古曲,版本不限)

Diploma – 狼牙山五壮士, 陈隋, 海青拿天鹅

Our Pipa Instructor

At Eight Tones Music, our Pipa classes are typically offered individually for a more focused, flexible pace of learning specifically tailored to your needs.

However, we do also offer Pipa group lessons as a more economical option. We keep the size of our Pipa group classes small, allowing the instructor to devote attention to each and every student. Try out our Pipa group lesson today by contacting us.

Embark on your exciting musical journey with Eight Tones Music and meet different people from different walks of life with the same passion towards the Pipa.

Three Pipa teachers from our highly dedicated Eight Tones teaching team in a group photo

Write-Up Of Our Pipa Teachers

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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)

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel now!

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

Benefits of Learning to Play the Pipa

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 how to play the Pipa can help strengthen connections between the different parts of the brain, because playing the Pipa requires strong coordination between many fingers on both the left hand and right hand.

Why Choose Us?

Chinese instruments lessons
Easy Scheduling
Chinese instruments lessons
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Chinese instruments lessons
100% Examination Pass Rate
Chinese instruments lessons
Stress-free Environment
Chinese instruments lessons
Centrally Located
Chinese instruments lessons
Experienced and Qualified Instructors
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
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

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Yes, our teachers will teach you how to play the Pipa 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 Pipa students in their 60s and 70s who have made great progress and successfully learnt how to play the Pipa well. Speak to our friendly staff for more information. Contact Us now.
We have many time slots available. However, most students come for lessons once a week. You may schedule frequent lessons or for longer periods if you require.

Individual Pipa lessons are recommended, where we match one student to one teacher. This is to ensure that you receive quality training and enjoy a curriculum specially catered for you.

Lessons can be taught individually or in groups of not more than 4. However, the groups have to be formed on your own, with a minimum of 2 students.

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

You will be taught by the same Pipa teacher each week, unless you request to change teachers.

Yes, our teachers can teach you how to play 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. Based on your needs, budget and physiology, our teacher will be able to pick out a suitable one for you.
Trial Pipa lessons are offered one time per instrument and to be paid for after the lesson. If you are unavailable to come for your scheduled trial lesson, you have to inform the school within 24 hours. 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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