Pipa

The pipa is a piriform lute with four strings. Native of India or Central Asia, it was introduced in China during the Han Dynasty, evolved and took its particular form during the Jin dynasty (5th century). It was a very popular instrument in the Tang era, with four frets and four silk strings played with a plectrum. It has since developed and now features thirty frets and four metal strings pinched with artificial tabs.

Wu Yuxia, professional pipa player, is a recognized musician who plays for the Central Orchestra of China. She shares with you her passion for this traditional chinese intrument, and teaches you how to get solid foundations to play pipa.

LESSON PRESENTATION

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The main concepts taught

Open string

Rhythmical Training

First and Second Position

Scales

Fingering

The program proposed by Wu Yuxia

This traditional Chinese instrument is taught to very many students in music conservatories in China, but it is one of the most complicated one to play.

This course is divided into three parts. You will first start by having an introduction of the instrument: the posture, the structure etc. In the second session, you will learn to recognize the strings and the notes on the pipa, and play basic scales. You will also train to play different rhythms on the instrument. The last session will teach you to play the first position on the first and second string.

Chapter	Detailed Notions
Introduction of Pipa	This first chapter will tell you more about the structure of pipa and the posture to adopt.
Basic skills of Pipa	Learning Tan and Practice in C key on a Certain String “the Piece of Tan” “The String Dance”
	Learning Tiao and Practice in C key on Open String “The Thumb”
	Rhythmical Training and Exercise of Tan&Tiao “Balanced Tune”
	Open String Exercise in D- “Wu Yong (Figure Dancer)”; “Red for Stop and Green for Go”
The First Position	The First Position of the First String in C: “Puppet” Auxiliary Exercise; “Hand in Hand”
The First Position	The First Position of the Second String in C & Exercise: Auxiliary Exercise; “Naught Kid”

Lesson plan

Chapter	Detailed Notions
Introduction of Pipa	This first chapter will tell you more about the structure of pipa and the posture to adopt.
Basic skills of Pipa	Learning Tan and Practice in C key on a Certain String “the Piece of Tan” “The String Dance”
	Learning Tiao and Practice in C key on Open String “The Thumb”
	Rhythmical Training and Exercise of Tan&Tiao “Balanced Tune”
	Open String Exercise in D- “Wu Yong (Figure Dancer)”; “Red for Stop and Green for Go”
The First Position	The First Position of the First String in C: “Puppet” Auxiliary Exercise; “Hand in Hand”
The First Position	The First Position of the Second String in C & Exercise: Auxiliary Exercise; “Naught Kid”