Chinese Music Classroom: Bringing Mandarin Learning to Life
On Saturday 13 September 2025, the Chinese Music Classroom (CMC), jointly established by Chetham’s School of Music and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, hosted a vibrant event at Manchester Central Library under the theme “Write Your Name, Speak Your Culture.” The event formed part of the Library’s Language Day program and attracted close to one hundred participants from diverse backgrounds, including families, students, and members of the local community.
Calligraphy and Cultural Discovery
One of the highlights of the event was learning to write the Chinese character “曼” — the first character of “Manchester.” Participants, guided by Chinese teachers, practiced writing the character with brush and ink, discovering its graceful structure and symbolic meaning of elegance and continuity.
They also learned to write their own names in Chinese, while practicing simple self-introductions such as “我叫…” (“My name is…”). Soon, the Library’s Hall resounded with the voices of participants pronouncing their names in Mandarin with accents from all over the world. Their calligraphy works were displayed on a “Cultural Wall,” creating a striking visual symbol of cultural connection.
In addition to calligraphy, the event inspired a lively exchange about Chinese culture. Visitors asked questions ranging from the differences between Mandarin and Cantonese to the characteristics of Chinese music and traditional instruments. Teachers from CMC responded enthusiastically, underlining the importance of cultural exchange and education in fostering mutual understanding.
A New Beginning
The activity was designed and coordinated by Sophia Kuai (Yi Kuai), Chinese Co-Director of CMC, and jointly delivered by visiting teacher Miya Jiang and newly arrived teacher Kai Yang, who has just taken up her post as CMC’s A-level Mandarin teacher. Their teamwork ensured that the event was both educational and highly engaging for the diverse audience.
Kai Yang’s arrival marks an important step for CMC, strengthening its teaching team and capacity for Mandarin education in Manchester. Looking ahead, CMC will continue to build on the international platform of Chetham’s School of Music, bringing together music, language, and culture to expand its role across Manchester and the wider North of England.
Voices from the Community
The event also received strong endorsement from local partners and community members.
Alessia Benedetti, Service Development Coordinator, Libraries, Galleries and Culture, commented:
“We are delighted to see the Chinese Music Classroom joining our events at Manchester Central Library. Activities like this introduce unique aspects of Chinese culture to our audiences and enrich our program of multicultural engagement. We especially look forward to future events with a musical focus, which will add a new dimension to our cultural offer.”
John, a retired teacher from Sale, said:
“Having taught for many years, I know how important cultural education can be. Today’s event gave me a real sense of the beauty of Chinese language and calligraphy. Experiences like this open young minds to different worlds.”
A long-standing member of Manchester’s Chinese community, who has lived in the city for several decades, shared:
“This activity makes me feel close to home and proud to introduce our culture to new friends here in Manchester. I hope there will be many more events like this in the future.”
Building Bridges
By combining traditional Chinese calligraphy with spoken Mandarin practice, the “Write Your Name · Speak Your Culture” event offered participants a unique opportunity to connect with Chinese culture in a hands-on and personal way. The success of this activity demonstrates once again the value of the Chinese Music Classroom in building bridges of cultural understanding between China and the UK.
With the new academic year underway and new staff in place, CMC looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with Manchester Central Library and expanding its cultural and educational outreach through both language and music.
Join us on Thursday 23 October 2025 for the Chetham’s Philharmonic Orchestra and Ensembles Concert to celebrate the reopening of Whiteley Hall, the new home of our Chinese Music Classroom.
