A training course to cultivate matouqin (horse-head fiddle) performers, subsidized by China National Arts Fund, concluded with a performance in Inner Mongolia Ethnic Arts Theatre on June 8.

The students pose a photo after the performance. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Starting on April 20, 30 students from Inner Mongolia, as well as Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Heilongjiang and Liaoning participated in the 50-day course.

This training's objective was to improve the students' performing skill and musical professionalism through the lessons on matouqin artistic theory, ethnic music theory, playing skills and analysis of music works, explained the head of the Inner Mongolia Ethnic Arts Theatre's ethnic music troupe. He expected the students to be active roles in passing on this ethnic art.

Students of the matouqin performers training course give a performance in Inner Mongolia Ethnic Arts Theatre on June 8. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Renowned matouqin players and experts from Inner Mongolia and Mongolia were invited to give lectures to the students.

As the only student of Han ethnic group in this course, Mi Yuting works in an Ulanmuqi troupe in the region. She said she loves matouqin, though it is unique to the Mongolian ethnic group. "I should learn more about the culture of matouqin," she added.

Matouqin playing would have no soul without the Mongolian ethnic group's history, culture and sentiment, said a chief player in the Inner Mongolia Ethnic Arts Theatre.

Matouqin artist gives lesson to the students of the performers training course.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]