Beginner References

[kyerin]

Hello everyone

I ordered my first erhu last month, and I’ve been looking around for any new reference material while I have been waiting for it to ship.

I have gone through all 19 (current) pages of this forum, while also spending a lot of time on YouTube to find anything that may help once it arrives.

Are there any recommended websites or YouTube channels for general practice and newer techniques to learn in the future that I should be looking out for? Preferably sites or channels that are updated fairly regularly since some listed on here are old/broken links from several years ago.

I signed up for the Eason lessons, and I already have Patty Chan’s Bridging the Gap to start with. Plus I have looked at the free lessons on Ling Peng’s website, www.erhulessons.com.

Nicolelimusic on YouTube has some interesting videos as well which include some general techniques and even a couple pieces of sheet music for some videos.

I know I won’t have any practical applications until I have the erhu, but any help is appreciated as my well is starting to run a bit dry, and I need new material to read at work...

[davidmdahl]

Welcome to the forum, Kyerin. From the description of your activities, it seems that you have already gathered enough resources for when your erhu arrives. The only thing superior to what you have is a teacher. Short of that, I suggest just listening to erhu music that appeals to you.

When your erhu arrives, I suggest picking one of the methods that you have gathered, and just work from that for a while. Don't try to learn everything at once. For example, don't worry about vibrato until you are very secure in the basics. It is best to focus on one thing at a time. And go slowly!

The erhu is a challenging instrument, but also a lot of fun. Be patient with yourself and enjoy every step of the way.

Best wishes,

David

[kyerin]

Thanks, David.

One of my challenges will definitely be trying to not rush anything. Currently I only have some soundtracks with erhus, but I will see what else I can find to listen to while I wait.

[d̗̰̗͆͘ǎ͔̱͈̰̬̫ͨ̌ͮͥ͗ͭ̕vid]

I suggest considering to pace yourself with difficulty levels... there are books form the central conservatory of music for erhu, which include both études and song pieces. like what david stated, don't try to learn everything at once... to avoid developing bad habits