唱歌KTV: Karaoke and an unexpected song

Wudaokou, 38ºC, sunny

Although it originates in Japan, karaoke is more prominent in Beijing than I previously imagined. A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to try out karaoke Chinese-style, and this evening I returned to the microphone. This karaoke bar, though, happened to be a little different. Located in Wudaokou, which is sometimes dubbed “Little Korea”, this one was 韩国的 Korean.

Being surrounding by singing (and not all the most tuneful!) for the first time in quite a while reminded me of my 一对一 one-on-one conversation session with 胡老师 one of my teachers yesterday. 听说你唱歌唱得很好 “I hear that you sing really well.” The teachers had been telling me this for the past few days now. 唱一个歌 “Sing.” She even leant back in her chair, arms crossed, in anticipation. Reluctantly, I sang a snippet of Hugo Wolf’s Verborgenheit.

In general, I have been surprised that none of the teachers on this programme still play a musical instrument. Indeed, having asked about ten teachers, I have not come across any teacher who has played an instrument beyond the age of 16. And yet most of the Chinese people I have met in England, America and on my travels were sat down at the piano aged 5, started the violin shortly after, and are generally very accomplished musicians along with whatever else they do. Nonetheless, they enjoy music very much, and have asked me on more than a few occasions to sing (I have only succumbed once so far…).