If you have aspirations to form your own Twelve Girls Band but are lacking the chops, a local music store can help. 

 

For many expats arriving in Shanghai they want to embrace the local culture, sample the cuisine, see the sights and immerse themselves in the life and sounds of the city.

 

But for those who can not communicate in the local language, sometimes new experiences can be limited.

 

Music, in contrast, is a universal language and a local music shop is now offering the opportunity for both foreigners and locals alike to get rhythm in a host of Chinese instruments in guzheng, erhu, pipa, ruan, guqin and yang qin.

 

Scott Dodd, one of the founders of the Music Pavilion on trendy Taikang Road, called the traditional instruments very special as the history of each told a story about China and its people.

 

"Listening to and playing these instruments is just another way of learning more about Chinese culture," the Australian said, adding that when played well, a variety of feelings and emotions can be created.

 

"Sad, happy, romantic and intense are all part of these instruments' emotional repertoire. Somehow the sound picks you up and takes you to another place. The songs can be about an emperor and his many wives or perhaps about the life of a silkworm.

 

"Also, when you see the range of beautiful tones that comes from the wood that is used (to make the instruments) and their intricate designs, you will likely want to have one in your house just as a piece of art."

 

Music Pavilion originally set up last year as an Internet business trading in musical instruments and expanded into a shop and music school in January.

 

Dodd said the demand for lessons so far had been "crazy."

 

"There is a huge demand for lessons and we have also been getting many requests for rare strings or instruments. We also offer a recording studio and many foreigners come to us to blend traditional instruments with hip-hop or modern tracks."

 

No stranger to music himself, Dodd first came to Shanghai three years ago to play bass at club CJW (Cigar Jazz Wine).

 

"I then went on to be in a band called JR. We recorded a CD called 'What a Wonderful World' and released it in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China's mainland. It was during my time with this band that I met my current business partners Mark Pummell and Jane Lou. The idea to start teaching the instruments came from our own curiosity and a high demand."

 

Dodd admitted that he was still learning himself. "I do not teach, we leave that to the professionals. Our teachers are of the highest standard and between them have won many prizes and awards. All speak English to some degree, some better than others. However, communication has never been a problem."

 

The lessons can be either by group or individual.

 

"I would suggest getting a group of three or four together and learning at the same time. It makes practicing more fun."

 

Adult classes are typically 80-minute sessions, consisting of 60 minutes playing time and 20 minutes of listening and appreciation.

 

"We really want our students to leave here with an understanding of how to play the instrument and also an understanding of the instrument's place in China's history."

 

Shanghai Daily readers can get 50 percent off their first lesson by mentioning this article at time of booking. The offer is good through next month.

 

Individual lessons are 300 yuan (US$39.24) and 2,400 yuan for eight lessons. Group instruction is 250 yuan per person, 2,000 yuan in total.

 

"Some instruments are harder than others," Dodd cautioned. "I would say the erhu is one of the hardest, where as the guzheng is easy to get a sound from instantly. Just like anything, practice makes perfect - yi tian bi yi tian hao."

 

Address: Building Five, Lane 200 Taikang Road

 

Tel: 6445-8688

 

Website: www.musicpavilion.com.cn

 

(Shanghai Daily June 13, 2007)