Prof. An Zhishun, a famous percussionist and composer from China, was at TNUA in March for a week-long visit, during which he gave a talk mainly on traditional Chinese drum music and helped arrange a concert by the university's teachers and students.

The 82-year-old professor, who was born in Shaanxi, western China, has made tremendous contributions to promoting traditional Chinese percussion music, having composed more than 100 pieces of music.

He has been invited to perform and give lectures in various countries and cities, such as Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Russia, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Bulgaria, Romania and Canada.

Prof. An, who arrived on March 1, has been to TNUA for many times since his first visit in 1989. In his talk on March 4, the professor shared his personal views about life and learning, as well as what he has learned through music.

He said the drum is a demonstration of strength, a gem of wisdom, an expression of feelings and a call from the heart. He said he is in good health probably because playing the drum engages him in a lot of physical activities and gives him much excitement. The process of composing music also keeps the mind clear, he added. 

He also gave an in-depth look at the development of drum music in China from a historical perspective.

Percussion teachers and students from the Department of Music also held a concert on March 7 to highlight Prof. An's music. The professor's son, Mr. An Yuan, had helped with the rehearsals for the concert.