She grew up in a family steeped in traditional Chinese art and music. Her father is an artist but also plays various musical instruments. Her sister plays the guzheng while her brother plays the erhu.
“Combining traditional instruments with pop music or other modern genres is a great way to spark interest among younger audiences and introduce them to the beauty of traditional music.
Appealing to Gen Z
“Yes, I believe many in Gen Z are interested in exploring traditional musical instruments. Our fast-paced work and studies often lead us to seek hobbies that help us relax and reconnect with ourselves. Traditional music offers a therapeutic and artistic outlet.
Preserving culture
“Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they teach us patience, perseverance and discipline. Playing traditional music is also deeply personal and healing, as it allows us to connect with our inner selves.
Sound of music
“The sound of the guzheng has a calming and soothing effect on me. What is unique about the instrument is its ability to express a wide range of feelings – cheerful and lively tones as well as sentimental and melancholic ones.
Not only does her mind become calmer, but by playing the guzheng, she has learned to become more focused and disciplined.
“It was evident to me whenever my mind is preoccupied with other thoughts, my ability to play the instrument diminishes. Playing the guzheng is both a discipline and an emotional connection for me,” she said.
Playing the guzheng may look easy but Sim faced many challenges.
“I also play other Chinese instruments, such as the liuqin and the dizi (Chinese flute). Playing the dizi taught me the importance of regulating my breath, a skill I have carried over into my guzheng practice. Each instrument offers its own lessons, but they all contribute to my growth as a music player,” she said.
Sim and her brother played the guzheng and erhu alongside musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. She said the harmony between the instruments was truly inspiring.
Looking forward
“I am also keen on collaborating with musicians who play various instruments to experiment with new sounds and create innovative musical experiences. Through these efforts, I hope to expand my understanding of music while sharing its universal language with a broader audience,” added Sim, who is an architect by profession.
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