Gu Zheng (Intermediate II-Monday)
*Note: Gu Zheng (Intermediate I) is only open for existing Mr Thum students
Date: 12 January 2026 to 4 May 2026 (“If needed, we can make adjustments after the course begins.”)
Time: 7.30PM – 9.30PM
Course Day: Monday
Location: Jing Si Hall (9 Elias Road, Singapore 519937)
Number of Sessions: 15 sessions
Registration Closing Date: 12 January 2026
Class Size: 20
INTRODUCTION
Guzheng is a prominent stringed Chinese musical instrument that has been around for more than 2,500 years. It delivers intrinsically beautiful and elegant sounds. This course covers basic fingering skills and hand coordination as well as the functions of the different parts of a guzheng. Students are coached and guided till they reach performance standards. Learning to play a guzheng helps to cultivate a refined mind and character.
We invite you to join the class and experience the moving sounds of guzheng, while learning to play Chinese classical music on the instrument.
*Note: Gu Zheng (Intermediate I) is only open for existing students
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.