Beijing Olympics 2008 Closing Ceremony

Did any of you catch the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics?

The part with hordes of young pretty Chinese girls playing the Erhu together is quite lovely.

They really look like they can play. Their hand motions are very fluid. But I doubt they are playing live.

Their Erhus look very interesting. The headstock is something like this Erhu that I have (Click here).

I can't figure out how they support the Erhu to play standing up. It looks nothing like the Erhu belt clip I have. The base looks thick and heavy. I'll see if I can get my hands on one of these just for the fun of it.

The golfing attire is charming, but I would prefer a more traditional attire though. I think that's because the closing ceremony is suppose to portray a modern China, contrary to the opening ceremony.

Here's a video link for those who have missed it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt-ptMfsaK8

Catch it before it gets taken down!

The First and Only Online Erhu Classes in the World

These are exciting times.

We've been working very hard to develop this program.

So that anyone in the world can learn how to play the Erhu, whenever and wherever you are.

All you need is an internet connection and a pair of computer speakers.

Most important of all, you learn to play the Erhu CORRECTLY.

The knowledge that we share is going to blow you away and we guarantee you will be sounding much better than before with our systematic approach to learning.

The program will be launched on 16 September 2008.

Watch this space.

How to Slice Open a Dimo

I thought I was clear enough when I added subtitles to the video "How to fix dimo on the flute".

I added the line, "slice the dimo open....", but I am still getting emails from customers overseas telling me I sent them the wrong size Dimo.

I tried to explain that Dimo comes in tubes but they thought I meant I packaged the Dimo in a tube, which of course they did not receive.

A video speaks louder than words so this is what I meant by, "slice open a tube of Dimo":

Introductory Video of the Dizi, Chinese Bamboo Flute

We've just finished an introductory video on some of the basics of the Dizi.

This video shows you the different parts of the Dizi. It also shows you how to hold the Dizi, the fingerings and the posture.

So with the how to fix the dimo video and this video, you should be able to get a good sound out of the Dizi and look good doing it!

If you haven't got a Dizi, head over to our store here to purchase one.

It's great fun!

(Special thanks to Joyce Poh for her help in the videos)

It's Been 1 Year Already?

Today (or yesterday depending on where you are) is a significant day.

Yes, 2 August 2008 is exactly one year after I started this blog.

I have so far made a total of 114 entries, which surprised myself because I never liked writing diaries when I was young.

The most common entries my teacher saw from my diary assignments were "Today nothing much happened" or "Today was an uninteresting day".

So happy birthday/ creation day to my blog.

I hope I'll still be at for many years to come.

And thank you for reading my blog, whoever you are.