Welcome

I am Qin Qian (覃茜). and the instrument I am playing is called an ErHu (二胡).

On this website you will find information about the ErHu and lessons for learning how to play it. You will also find information about me, my performances, and the music I have written.

The ErHu has a history that can be traced back to instruments that were introduced into China more than a thousand years ago. It has evolved from the XiQin which is believed to have originated from the Xi people of Central Asia, and who came to China in the 10th century.

The first Chinese character (二, èr, two) of the instrument’s name is believed to come from the fact that it has only two strings. Another explanation says that it comes from the fact that it is the second highest voice (or pitch) of all the instruments in the HuQin family of instruments in the modern Chinese orchestra. The second character (胡, hú) of the name indicates that it is a member of the HuQin family. The name huqin literally means “barbarian instrument”, meaning that the instrument likely originated from regions to the north or west of China that were inhabited by non-Han peoples.

Qin Qian is a professional erhu player and teacher residing in Philadelphia. In her childhood, She learned to play accordion and Erhu from her father. When she was 14, she joined the Performing Arts Troupe of Guigang City in Guangxi Province, China, as an erhu and violin player. She entered the Guangxi Art College at the age of 16, majoring in erhu performance. She studied erhu with Professor Huang Qidu and erhu master Zhang Yuming.

Qin Qian is an accomplished composer, performer and teacher. She has partnered with many Western musicians to perform on the erhu and other Chinese instruments in concerts featuring different musical styles, including classical, jazz, opera, and pop. Twice she has received the Outstanding Teacher Award at the Princeton International Chinese Music Competition. Both private and group lessons are offered.

Please enjoy browsing my website, enjoy listening to some of my music, and contact me to learn how to play the ErHu.

Gratefully,
~Qin Qian