Beginner in pipa

[ah2485]

Hello everyone,

I came across this forum, because I am interested in learning how to play the pipa (mostly as a hobby). I'm a college student and tight on budget, so I'm not sure if I should learn from a master. The instructional VCD's and books look great, but problem is, I cannot read Chinese and I do not speak Mandarin. Are there any good instructional VCD's or books in English or with English subtitles that I can use? I want to learn both technique and how to play songs.

Also, I am left-handed, but is willing to learn how to play right-handed if necessary. Is this going to be much of a problem? Thanks!

[davidmdahl]

The pipa is a rather challenging instrument, and especially so if you don't have a teacher. If all you want is to plunk around on a pipa and work out your own techniques, then you don't need any books. If you want to play Chinese music with standard technique, there is no substitute for a good teacher. Even a few lessons will help a lot.

I have never seen any pipa materials in English. There are some books and VCDs in Mandarin at:

www.chineseculture.net/guqin/instruments/pipacds.htm

Best wishes,

David

[denis]

I do not understand Mandarin either but still found the two video courses I bought most useful. The teachers seem to demonstrate all technical points and these courses being aimed at beginners are unlikely to be burdened with metaphysical discourse. One of the teachers is on the pretty side as well so I don't care.

[oltrelogo]

Yeah! That’s right there are nothing any materials in English for pipa. Well! The vcd in mandarin but the instructor demo is easily understandable instead of a teacher.

[humano91]

hey denis, may i noe which 2 video courses u bought?