Guzheng Beginner Trial Class (Wednesday) November
*Recommended for participants aged 21 to 60 years old.
(As the session lasts 2 hours, it may be physically tiring for younger or older individuals. Thank you for your understanding.)
Course Date: 26 November 2025 – 10 Dec 2025
Time: 7.30pm-9.30pm
Course Day: Wednesday
Location: Jing Si Hall (9 Elias Road, Singapore 519937)
Number of Sessions: 3 sessions
Registration Closing Date:26 Dec 2025
Class Size: 20
Please note that payments for courses are non-refundable except when the Centre cancels the class due to unforeseen circumstances
INTRODUCTION
The Gu Zheng, with its elegant tones and ancient heritage, offers a graceful and immersive musical experience. This trial class is your first gentle encounter with this beautiful instrument.
Designed especially for complete beginners, the class is guided by experienced instructors in a relaxed setting, where you will:
-
Understand the structure and unique sound of the guzheng
-
Learn proper posture and hand positioning
-
Try out essential finger techniques (Tuo, Mo, Gou, etc.)
-
Be introduced to simplified notation, rhythm, and pitch training
This is more than just a casual “fun class” — it’s a professional entry-level experience that:
✅ Covers both foundational theory and technique
✅ Helps you understand how to learn the guzheng effectively
✅ Prepares you for structured, long-term learning
After completing the 3 trial sessions, you’ll be ready to join the Level 1 Beginner Course — content from the trial will not be repeated.
TEACHER’S BIOGRAPHY
TEACHER’S BIOGRAPHY
Mr Thum Soon Boon
Mr Thum Started learning Guzheng under Lian Yoong Ser in 1981. After 1983, received guidance from Guzheng teachers Ng Kim Liang, Ou Yang Liang Rong and Zhang Lu Fen. After 1988 received guidance from Shanghai Music Conservotry Prof He Bao Quan & Prof Sun Wen Yan, China Conservatory of Music Prof Qiu Da Cheng. 1989 awarded 1st prize in the National Music Competition Open Category and 2nd runner-up prize of “ART Cup International Music Instrumental Competition” concurrently.
Thum conducted Guzheng courses in Community Clubs such as Kampong Chai Chee, Katong & Tanglin. Served as Guzheng instructor cum Guzheng ensemble’s conductor in Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ Pri & Sec School, Maha Bodhi Scool, Yang Zheng Pri School, North Brooks Sec School, Nan Yang JC, Bartley Sec School & Xinmin Sec School.
Was the school Supervisor ot Artstratosphere Music School, President of Blue Ocean Guzheng Association, Honorary Committee Member of the Guzheng Professional Committee of the Chinese Music Association of China, member of the Oriental Guzheng Research Society (Shanghai), Music Director cum conductor for Mountbatten Guzheng Performing Group.
In the past three decades teaching in Guzheng, Thum had nurtured many students and won numerous prizes in Guzheng competitions and performances. He regularly organised concerts, overseas performances, seminars and appreciation workshops to promote the versatility of this traditional musical instrument - the Guzheng.
Serve as Guzheng teachers since Tzu Chi Continuing Education Centre started Guzheng course in 2006 till now.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All course fees are inclusive of GST.
- Please note that payments for courses are non-refundable except when the Centre cancels the class due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Courses held in the evening are only open to those aged 18 and above. Younger students who have not reached the minimum age will not be accepted unless accompanied by a parent.
- The course fees do not cover the teaching materials and insurance for off-campus lessons (if any).
- The Centre will send a course-related notice to students through WhatsApp or email before the commencement of classes. Please notify the Centre if you did not receive any message one week before the commencement date.
- Please arrive at the classroom at least 10 minutes before the session.
- Children, guest students or sit-in observers and recordings are NOT allowed in all classes for the purpose of maintaining lesson quality and as a show of respect for the teachers and other students.
- If the lesson falls on a public holiday, it will be postponed to the following week. The Centre reserves the right to make any adjustments to the class schedules.