Make Time for What You Love

After retirement, life opens up a little more space for ourselves. Some choose to travel, others take up exercise, while some finally begin learning an instrument they have always wanted to play.

At Lin She Culture, a group of people have chosen the erhu.

Not everyone has a musical background, and not everyone dreams of becoming a performer. Some are drawn to the beautiful sound of the erhu. Others have wanted to learn since their younger years but only now have the time. And for some, simply having a regular time each week to play music and meet familiar classmates is a joy in itself.

Little by little, the erhu has become part of their everyday lives.

From Learning on Your Own to Making Music Together

Teacher Sheng Tzu-Min leads group classes made up of students of different ages and experience levels.

Some have been learning for years, while others are just beginning. Some enjoy playing solo, while others especially love the moments when everyone plays together.

During lessons, Teacher Sheng guides the group through their practice while offering individual guidance according to each student's needs. When several people play together, someone may occasionally fall behind, or a passage may need to be played again. Yet through these repeated practices, everyone gradually becomes more familiar with the music and with one another.

Over time, coming to class becomes more than simply attending a lesson. It becomes a chance to meet friends, share conversations, and spend time doing something they love.

Music Gives Us Another Reason to Gather

This teacher-student concert was a celebration of what several classes have achieved together through music.

The programme included familiar melodies such as Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon, Spring Outing, Longing for the Spring Breeze, The Joy of the Herdsmen, Moon over the Mountain Pass, and Shanghai Bund. Each melody carries different memories and meanings for different people.

Some performed on the erhu, others on the bass erhu, while pipa accompaniment and singing added further variety to the programme.

One particularly lively moment came during Shanghai Bund, when a student from Hong Kong sang in Cantonese. As the familiar melody filled the room, the atmosphere grew warmer and more animated, bringing everyone together through a shared musical experience.

More than a concert, it was a gathering of friends, a celebration of learning, and a reminder that music can bring joy to every stage of life.

About the Instructor

Sheng Tzu-Min | Huqin Performer and Educator

Teacher Sheng Tzu-Min is a senior huqin instructor at Lin She Culture and the conductor of the Lin She Culture Ensemble. She graduated from the Department of Chinese Music at the National Academy of Arts (now the National Taiwan University of Arts), where she majored in erhu.

She was formerly a member of both the Taipei Chinese Orchestra and the Taiwan National Chinese Orchestra, accompanying the ensembles on numerous international tours throughout Europe, America, and other parts of the world.

In 1982, she co-founded Qin Yuan Culture and Arts Co., Ltd. and the Qin Yuan Chinese Orchestra, making a lasting contribution to the development of traditional Chinese music in Taiwan.

Known for her expressive tone and distinctive musical character, Teacher Sheng brings depth, subtlety, and refinement to her interpretations. Her teaching is equally thoughtful and patient. Through years of dedicated guidance, she has nurtured many talented students who have gone on to study at professional music institutions, earning the affection and respect of generations of learners.

Teacher Sheng Tzu-Min's Erhu Classes

From the bass erhu to the erhu and gaohu, Teacher Sheng currently leads several group classes, each with its own character and learning pace. Many students have spent years learning together, building not only their musical skills but also lasting friendships.

Monday | Erquan Class

Founded in November 2019, this class initially focused on the bass erhu. In 2022, its members gave the class a new name: the Elegant Erhu Class.

Over the years, more than twenty students have been part of the group. Their repertoire includes Moon Reflected on the Second Spring, Autumn Moon over the Han Palace, Listening to the Pines, Song of the Spring Breeze, Cold Spring Wind Melody, Long Night, Wang Zhaojun, Autumn Thoughts, Leading the Camels, Window Sounds, Little Tune of the Yimeng Mountains, On the Grasslands, The Shepherd Boy Returns, The Joy of the Herdsmen, and Longing for the Spring Breeze.

Monday | Peony Class

Originally established as an erhu class at Cardinal Tien Hospital's community learning programme, the group continued its musical journey at Lin She Culture after the organization was founded.

Under Teacher Sheng's attentive guidance, students have developed their playing techniques while discovering the beauty and enjoyment of music. Over time, they have grown alongside Lin She Culture, building confidence through regular practice and stage performances, and experiencing the warmth and enthusiasm that come from sharing music with others.

Monday | Orchid Heart Class

The members of Orchid Heart Class came together through their shared love of the erhu and its warm, understated tone.

They encourage one another throughout their lessons, gradually discovering the subtle nuances of the music through practice. With steady dedication, they continue to refine their skills while developing a natural sense of musical understanding and connection.

For them, learning the erhu has become a quiet, enduring journey of growth and companionship.

Tuesday | Orchid Class

With more than twenty years of erhu-learning experience, Orchid Class brings together food enthusiasts, a guzheng instructor, and a financial expert, among others.

Under Teacher Sheng's thoughtful guidance, the students approach music with calmness and confidence, bringing beautiful melodies to life.

For this concert, three classmates collaborated on a trio arrangement of Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon, followed by an erhu ensemble performance of Spring Outing.

Their music carries the warmth of years spent learning together, and they are delighted to share this musical connection with everyone.

Tuesday | Rose Class

Every Tuesday afternoon, the graceful sound of huqin music fills the halls of Lin She Culture as Teacher Sheng guides Rose Class through their lessons.

Although many of the students are well past sixty, her patient and effective teaching has helped them develop the confidence and skill to perform beautiful, harmonious music.

For this gathering, the class presented Shanghai Bund and Moon over the Mountain Pass, showcasing the results of many years of dedication to the erhu.

Wednesday | Happy Class

Happy Class is made up of adults who share a love of music and began learning the erhu with no prior experience.

With Teacher Sheng's guidance and encouragement from their classmates, they have gradually developed their playing skills while building meaningful friendships along the way.

Their lessons combine focused practice with laughter and conversation. Everyone learns at a comfortable pace, enjoying the process of making music together.

For this group, “Happy” is more than just a name. It reflects their shared philosophy of learning: to grow steadily, gain confidence, and enjoy the companionship that music brings.

Saturday | Joyful Class

Joyful Class is the sister class of Happy Class, bringing together another group of adults who love music and the erhu.

Starting with the basics, they practise and exchange ideas together, gradually building their musical experience and confidence. Their lessons are filled with dedicated practice, mutual encouragement, and plenty of laughter.

“Joyful” is not simply the class name; it captures the spirit of learning together.

Every weekend, students come to Lin She Culture to slow down, pick up their erhus, and enjoy the freedom of learning music in a warm and welcoming environment.

Learning the Erhu Can Be Part of Everyday Life

Learning an instrument does not have to begin in childhood, nor does it require a musical background.

Some begin after retirement. Others have always loved the sound of the erhu. And some simply want a regular hobby that gives them something to look forward to each week.

They come to class, practise their instruments, chat with classmates, and occasionally perform together.

A single erhu can bring more joy into everyday life—and introduce us to a wonderful new circle of friends.

If you have ever been interested in learning the erhu, we warmly welcome you to join one of Teacher Sheng Tzu-Min's group classes at Lin She Culture.

You do not need to be an experienced musician. All you need is a little curiosity and a love of music.

It is never too late to begin something you love. Let music become a beautiful part of your life.

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

📞 Contact Us

For more information about promotions, cultural events,
new instruments, or courses, please contact Lin’s Culture at
02-2341-8000 or reach us via Official LINE: @linsculture