Zhang Xiuzhong, who likes to blow gourd silk, comes from Shangqiu, Henan Province. This year is the 16th year he has come to Zhoushan.

During the past 16 years, he went to more than ten primary schools in Zhoushan to teach Hulusi, and also took Hulusi courses to the University for the Elderly. He also established his own Hulusi training studio in Shenjiamen.

Along the way, he was deeply gratified that, relying on his hard work, he broke into a world in Zhoushan, settled down with his wife in Zhoushan, and sent his two sons to college. Their studies and work were excellent.

"I can wander in the world of music every day. Even if the course is full for a week, I feel my life is very full and happy." This is what he said from the bottom of his heart.

20 years ago, I fell in love with blowing gourd silk
Come to Zhoushan to teach

When I was young, I graduated from high school and worked as a music teacher in a primary school in rural Shangqiu, mainly responsible for teaching students to play bamboo flute in music classes. Later, because of the school reform, I lost the opportunity to be a music teacher. In order to support my family, I have done business, worked as a small worker, traveled to many places, and wanted to leave the countryside to live in a big city.

In 2002, I did a little business in Hunan. On the way, I saw some vendors hawking Hulusi along the street. Because there was some music foundation, and bamboo flute and Hulusi had something in common, I started to play directly, and was immediately moved by the beautiful and euphemistic tone of Hulusi. After buying a gourd silk, I practiced every day and played many popular songs with it at that time.

In 2003, when my business was successful in Zhoushan, I met a man from Zhoushan. He saw how well I was blowing gourd silk, so he asked me for some tips. He was my first apprentice. Since then, I have kept in touch with him. Until 2006, the business outside was not very smooth. The disciple invited me to Zhoushan and suggested that I open a class to teach Hulusi.

I thought this was feasible, so I took my wife to Zhoushan and settled in Siwan, Shenjiamen. After that, I officially started classes to teach Hulusi. But I didn't expect that enrollment would be so difficult. At that time, people in Zhoushan didn't know Hulusi, and there was only one student in the first lecture.

No source of students, no source of income. At first, life in Zhoushan was very difficult, but I had a belief that I should teach every student well. For a long time, because of my teaching attitude and superb Hulusi skills, my reputation has spread among parents. Schools have invited me to take public benefit classes to let more children know Hulusi. Some children who are interested in Hulusi will come to my studio to continue their study after class.

Full classes 7 days a week
Running around the city on electric bikes

By 2012, there were already many schools that asked me to attend classes. Because the instrument was cheap and easy to learn, it was very suitable for both the elderly and primary school students to learn Hulusi. In addition, national instruments have become more and more popular in recent years, so more students have come to know and learn Hulusi.

Now I have full courses seven days a week. From Monday to Friday, I have classes in primary schools and universities for the elderly, and on weekends, I have classes in my own studio. It can be said that the life in Zhoushan in the past ten years has been quite stable, mainly due to more students and stable income.

Every Thursday, I will go to Zhoushan University for the Elderly to have classes. One class in the morning will teach Hulusi, and one class in the afternoon will teach flute. The class fee is quite small. In order to save money on fuel, I often go back and forth by electric bike. When I am over 50 years old, I have an old mother to support and a son to marry. I can only work hard for a few more years. Fortunately, I like what I do very much.

The studio is very busy at the weekend, and it is more exciting to give lessons to children. Of course, it is easy to play cucurbit flute, but it is not so easy to play it well. In order to give more professional guidance to children, I have gone out for training many times in the past ten years, not only to participate in the Hulusi competition, but also often to take teaching training classes. After all, it is two things to be able to blow and teach. Now, many of my apprentices have been taking apprentices with me. I feel that my 16 years in Zhoushan have also made some contributions to the cultural life of Zhoushan people.

Both sons are excellent
It's the pride of my life

I took my wife to go out to work. My two sons have been staying in the countryside of Henan Province. They are standard left behind children. But the most gratifying thing in my life is that my two sons are very sensible.

After coming to work in Zhoushan, I encourage my eldest son to return home every year. If you want to live with my parents, you should study hard and study in Zhejiang Ocean University, so that our family can stay together.

His son was very successful. He was admitted to the shipbuilding major of Zhejiang Ocean University, and later went to Ukraine to study. Now he works in a company in Shanghai. He is married and lives happily.

My youngest son inherited my mantle. Although I didn't accompany him when I was young, he is a child who likes music very much. After entering the Conservatory of Music, he now stays in Hangzhou to teach Hulusi, which is similar to my teaching mode. However, as a young teacher of the post-90s generation, he can not only play cucurbit flute, sing songs and play piano all the time. His teaching is more popular with children and the elderly.

It is because of two sons who are so carefree that I can concentrate on Hulusi teaching in Zhoushan. After teaching Hulusi for more than ten years, there have been many changes in teaching methods. The teaching of the elderly and children is completely different. Before the beginning of each semester, I have to prepare lessons again and revise the teaching plan carefully. I don't want to disappoint every student who spends time in class.

Zhoushan is a very inclusive city
I would like to stay here for retirement

They also work outside to earn money to support their families. The happiest thing is that I do what I like, and at the same time, I can nourish myself with music. Looking back on more than ten years of teaching experience, I would like to thank myself for not giving up or retreating after 16 years in Zhoushan, and also the students who trust me in Zhoushan.

After working in so many places, it was the city of Zhoushan that finally accepted me and made me settle down here, buy a house and a car, and provide for two children to finish college.

The children have now stayed in the big city to live and truly achieved "knowledge changes destiny". I have a good idea. When we get old, we will not bother the children. We will retire in Zhoushan and continue to stay with my students. Even if we can't teach children, I can still play cucurbit flute with the students of the old university.