Chinese Drum and Dulcimer (called yanqin in Chinese) Class: KKCS started to teach this traditional Chinese music course since 1990. Taught by Professor Zhentian Zhang, a master and foremost soloist of the Chinese-hammered dulcimer and Chinese percussion, this course has become the most famous Chinese traditional instrument class in the Greater Boston areas and received great honor nationally and internationally. The students have been invited to perform dulcimer and drum music on many important occasions at community, city, state and international levels and achieved great success.
Time: Saturday
1:00-1:45 Beginners' Class I (Age: 5 – 8)
1:45-2:30 Beginners’ Class II (Age: 8 – 12)
2:30-3:15 Intermediate Class I
Sunday
10:00-12:00 Intermediate Class II
12:00-1:00 Advanced Class
1:00-1:45 Beginners' Class III (Age: 12 – 15)
Tuition: (Per Semester, 5 months)
First Child / First Course - $300.00
Second Child/Second Course - $275.00
Third Child/Third Course - $250.00
Textbook：
1．Uses all kinds of specialized dulcimer ancient music basic etudes and varying degree solo, reprise, and divide programs which have been published in China in the recent years.
2． Basic knowledge of music (bat, rhythm training)
The KKCS Chinese Drum & Dulcimer Ensemble: The “Boston Chinese Dulcimer ensemble”, located in KKCS and sponsored by KKCS, is a group from the Great Boston area of Massachusetts in the United State. The Ensemble was formed in 1994 under the instruction of the foremost yangqin master and educator, Mr. zhentian Zhang. The Ensemble specializes in performing music on a traditional Chinese musical instrument, the Yang-qin or Chinese Hammered Dulcimer and traditional Chinese drums.
The mission of the Ensemble is to promote and perpetuate Chinese culture, to foster an interest in Chinese traditional music, to raise awareness and knowledge of the Chinese heritage through music and to promote self esteem, respect and collaboration among the students.
The dulcimer ensemble, with determination, superior technique, in- depth understanding and precise presentation of the music, has won the affirmation and the highest praise from the media and both Asian and western audiences through their recitals and over 100 performances nationwide. The group has also performed internationally in China, Taiwan, Germany, France, and Great Britain. They have contributed immensely in the worldwide promotion and proliferation of Chinese culture.
Knowledge of Dulcimer: The Chinese Hammered Dulcimer (called yanqin in Chinese) has been actively played in China for approximately 400 years. It came to China by way of Persia (present day Iran and Iraq) towards the end of the Ming Dynasty (about 1600 AD.) Coastal cities like Canton served as a conduit to introduce the yanqin in China. It spread across China and evolved into a folk instrument with a wide diversity in its method of construction, playing techniques, and in its musical content. This difference among various dulcimers is also seen in the United States and other countries.
Teacher: Zhentian Zhang
Mr. Zhentian Zhang is one of the foremost masters and educators of the Chinese hammered dulcimer and Chinese percussion in both China and U.S.A.. Graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, as one of the top students in his class, Mr. Zhang was selected as a faculty to teach Chinese hammered dulcimer in the same university which he graduated for over 25 years. He lectures widely and has performed in many areas of the world, including the United States, Europe and Africa. He has also undertaken research in musicology, with particular emphasis on the yanqin’s complex techniques. His publication, Techniques and Training in Dulcimer, is a unique and scholarly work, both readable and instructive. 
Having taught in Kwong Kow Chinese School since 1990, Mr. Zhang has developed the most famous Chinese hammered dulcimer and Chinese drum programs in the Greater Boston areas. In 1994, he established the Boston Chinese Dulcimer and Percussion Ensemble. Under Mr. Zhang’s leadership and training, his students have participated in numerous performances, travelled to France, England, Germany, China, and Taipei etc.. They also were invited to give performances in many important occasions & location (e.g. Jordan Hall) such as Democratic National Convention, Governor Patrick’s Inaugural Gala, and all kinds of celebrations held by communities and universities.
