Describes a Chinese lesson during which the techniques for playing the yang-ch'in are taught. Discusses why Chinese teachers use rote instruction in music lessons and why they use poetry and nonmusical scenes as indicators of music's expressiveness. Compares this method of utilizing imitation with U.S. teaching techniques and relates it to…

The process of learning to play a musical instrument involves hours of individual practice. Even for players who do not reach high levels of competence, a considerable amount of time will be spent in working independently of the teacher, meaning that music learning demands a high level of self-sufficiency and the ability to be self-reflective if…