Support Lexi's Chinese Music Study Journey

Hi, my name is Lexi and I'm fundraising to study music in China! I've been accepted to the Chinese Traditional Music Program at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and an additional study program at Huaqiao University in Xiamen. The trip will last from 6/3/24 to 7/20/24. I will be taking very intense private lessons with a zhongruan professor, rehearsing in ensembles, performing, and studying the history of Chinese traditional music.

A brief history of my experience with Chinese music:

The instrument I play is called zhongruan. It is a round, four-stringed wooden instrument with frets. This instrument has existed for over 2,000 years! I began studying it in 2017 when I joined the University of North Texas Chinese ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Yuxin Mei. In 2021, I joined a trio with Dr. Mei playing pipa, and my colleague Alex Strader playing sheng. The style of music we play is called silk bamboo, so-named because the strings of the zhongruan and pipa used to be made of silk, and the pipes of the sheng made of bamboo.

Why this trip is important to me:

In my time playing Chinese music, I have had many performance opportunities at universities, elementary schools, festivals, and assisted living communities. I have seen this music build bridges between people of different backgrounds. I've seen people change their perceptions of how Chinese music can sound, or what is. Not many people are familiar with Chinese chamber music, and it's been such a joy to share it with them. The goal of this study abroad program is to strengthen my knowledge of Chinese traditional music and its history, gaining experience from the very source of its origins. This will allow me to return a more complete practician of this music, furthering my goal of spreading the joy of Chinese chamber music!

Why it is important to be able to purchase a zhongruan in China:

I have been borrowing a zhongruan from the UNT Chinese ensemble inventory since I began studying, so it is my hope to purchase a quality instrument while in China. Chinese instruments are not made in the states. They have also never been industrialized in the same way guitars or electric basses have, so the quality instruments are sold by their individual makers. My time in China will be the best opportunity for me to seek out, test, and purchase a professional-level instrument that will further my goals and last a long time.

Funding explained:

I will need funding to cover the following: two months of rent, student visa processing fees, a round trip flight ticket, food for 47 days, a hotel stay for two nights, the cost of a train to move from Shanghai to Xiamen, and money to cover any unforeseen expenses.

Here is a breakdown of how the funding will be used:

Two months rent: $1375

Visa: $250

Plane ticket: $1882

Food: $900

Hotel 7/18 - 7/19: $140

Train: $100

Misc expenses: $400

Professional zhongruan: $2600

Total: $7647