Learn to Play the Erhu
One-on-one online erhu lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. We customize the lessons to fit your needs.
One-on-one online lessons for students of all ages and skill level
Centre of Music Innovations is offering online Skype lessons for anyone who wants to learn to play the erhu. Whether you want to just learn the erhu for fun or you are preparing for Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing) examinations, we have a lesson package suitable for you.
*We do offer local in-person lessons in the home studio located in Thornhill, Ontario. Please contact us for more information on this.
What will I learn?
Proper fundamentals are essential to playing the erhu well. It is important not to acquire bad habits, as these are difficult to correct afterwards. Students will learn:
- How to set up and care for the instrument
- How to hold and play the erhu
- How to read jianpu (simplified) notation and western staff notation
- Musicianship – sight reading, rhythm, technique
- Studies and repertoire
Lesson details
Lesson durations depend upon the age and level of the student. For young students (age 10 years and younger) and beginners, 30 minutes/week is usually sufficient. For older students and intermediate/advanced levels, 60 minutes/week is recommended. Every student is different and the lessons will be designed to meet the needs of each individual.
Costs
| One Month Package | Three Month Package | ||
| 4 lessons (30 mins each) | $140 USD | 12 + 1 lessons (30 mins each) | $420 USD |
| 4 lessons (60 mins each) | $280 USD | 12 + 1 lessons (60 mins each) | $840 USD |
Introducing our Instructors
Patty has taught erhu to students from ages 7 to 80 that has spanned over 25 years. She has also taught erhu and Chinese music at York University, Ryerson University, and Carleton University. She is the President and Music Director of the Toronto Chinese Orchestra (TCO), and has led and participated in music exchanges and tours to Vancouver, Edmonton, Hong Kong, Beijing, Henan, Xi’an, and Taiwan.
What some of our students say…
Did you hear some enchanting tones in an old Chinese movie and wonder what it was? Did you recently look up the Erhu and say to yourself, “I need one of those!” Are you thinking about taking up the Erhu but don’t know where to start? Well, look no further! Patty is a gifted instructor; and she has a wonderful way of breaking down a beautiful, challenging instrument into an instrument that everyone can learn and enjoy! Her instructional book; called “Bridging the Gap” is very well titled as she helps to make a traditional Chinese instrument accessible to Western students! Here, you will learn the history of the songs, traditional jianpu notation as well as Western music notation. You can also go online to hear what the song should sound like as you are practicing.
Since studying with Patty, I feel like my sense of rhythm and sight reading has vastly improved! Between the two different styles of notation, I also feel like my number of brain cells surely must be increasing! Each lesson is informative and fun, there is constantly something to work on to improve upon the beauty of the melodies written for Erhu in order to bring them to life. I think it is also important to note that the lessons are also very affordable in comparison to other instruments that I have taken up through the years. This really does ensure that access to musical education is for everybody.
I think that my overall appreciation for world music has expanded, as I am ever inspired hearing the beautiful music that Patty makes with the Toronto Chinese Orchestra! Don’t let fear cause a unique instrument to gather dust in your closet! Learn a new skill this New Year and don’t hesitate to start your Erhu journey with Patty today, you will be so glad that you did!
Alexandra Lin Mitchell, Connecticut, USA
I have been taking online erhu lessons with Patty for two and a half years. At the beginning I was a little skeptical about how this remote teaching-learning would work. But before long, I started to feel just like I was sitting beside Patty in the same room. We use Skype - I use a very basic computer camera bought from BestBuy. The images are clear enough, and sound is good, she can pick all my mistakes in intonation, etc. Patty is a very knowledgeable, organized, patient, and encouraging teacher. She has good methods to teach an adult student like me, who has no musical background. I have learned a lot from her and am enjoying this instrument more and more. Thank you, Patty
W. Huang, Thunder Bay, ON
Kind and professional tutoring.
I live in Sweden and have no access to local erhu instruction, but I found Patty Chan's YouTube channel and contacted her. I had no previous musical training but for the past year she has guided me through the exercises and songs in her book "Playing Erhu - Bridging the gap", via online video lessons. The book is clear and easy to follow, and Patty's teaching style is friendly and patient while still being firm. She manages to set the pace just right, so that I am challenged but can keep up.
I really appreciate how she is helping me to progress with the erhu, and I consider myself lucky to have found her. From never having played an instrument before, the erhu has become a cherished part of my life. Thank you Patty.
N. Henriksson, Sweden
Inquire About our Lessons
Let us know which lesson plans you are interested in and we will contact you with more information.