A training session that aims to promote the Pinghu style of pipa (a four-stringed lute) playing among the younger generations of players of the plucked string instrument kicked off at the Central Conservatory of Music on Monday.

The Pinghu school of pipa performance, which is an important style of pipa playing, is currently confronted with the challenge of not having enough successors to continue on its legacy.

At this point, the training session, sponsored by Beijing Culture and Arts Fund, has invited established pipa players and composers to instruct a group of younger pipa players and music teachers in learning the Pinghu style of pipa playing.

"The training session focuses on promoting the Pinghu style of pipa playing among teachers. We've selected teachers from esteemed universities across the country as our trainees," says Zhang Hongyan, director of the Traditional Instruments Department at the Central Conservatory of Music and also the initiator of the training session.

She notes that only by integrating the time-honored pipa-playing style into these academic institutions' teaching system can they truly promote and elevate the Pinghu schools' legacy.

"Therefore, we have invited reliable teachers, particularly those with relevant lineage, to impart their exceptional skills and knowledge of the Pinghu school to our students," she says.

Zhao Jie, an assistant professor from the Central Conservatory of Music, is among the trainees.

Zhao says she values the chance to pursue an in-depth study of the techniques and musical aesthetics of the Pinghu school of pipa performance, and to incorporate the knowledge gained into both their performances and teaching practices.

"I aspire to bring the traditional sounds to future audiences and students, and keep the heritage of this style alive," she says.

The training program will be carried out using a blended approach of both online and offline methods, with 30 days of concentrated training.

Three training concerts showcasing the results of the program will take place from April to May respectively at the Opera Music Hall and Performance Hall at the Central Conservatory of Music, and the Zhongshan Park Concert Hall in Beijing.