Sue Chen Playing the Chinese Dulcimer

Sue Chen, originally from Taiwan, is a graduate of the Beijing Language and Culture University in China. For several years, she has been a Mandarin language instructor in Greensboro. Ms. Chen is also very committed to teaching people about traditional Chinese culture, music and the history of the instruments used to play traditional Chinese music.  In the above photo, she is playing the Chinese dulcimer 扬琴 (Yang Qin) at the Global Education Conference, hosted this past Saturday by Guilford County Schools at Ragsdale High School.

From Ms. Chen, we learned that the modern yangqin usually has 144 strings, and four to five bridges. It can take up to four hours just to tune the instrument. As demonstrated above, the sticks are held, one in each hand, hitting the strings alternately. In the orchestra, the yangqin often adds to the harmony by playing chords or arpeggios. As the yangqin is softer than other Chinese instruments, it is usually positioned at the front of the orchestra, just in front of the conductor. Fortunately, the instrument folds up rather compactly to be transported as Ms. Chen is always giving concerts and demonstrations, so that the Chinese dulcimer and other traditional instruments will gain a wider audience. She is very generous with her knowledge of music, language, and culture. The beautiful sound of the yangqin is very relaxing and was enjoyed by conference participants.

 

Comments

[Grace]

Gosh it's a complex instrument Janis, lovely to listen to though ✨

[William Kendall]

At some point I've seen one of these, or something very similar, I just didn't know what it was called.