Furthermore, she believes that it is crucial for students to experience the essence of Chinese music, such as yun (moving tones) in traditional Chinese music.

William Sprayberry, a 20-year-old junior studying video and film production at MTSU and a member of the ensemble, has come to notice what is unique about Chinese music. He recently started learning the guzheng. "It's an instrument that I'm slowly getting more respect for, which I know is a weird way to say it. But the more I play and the more I get to interact with it, the more I really understand it," he says, adding that exploring aspects like posture, technique and resting positions has revealed a wealth of details that collectively transform the experience into something almost meditative.

"Yes, it's a performance. You know you are playing for people and that's a big part of it. But there's definitely an element where you're playing for yourself and to better yourself."

His trip to China has ignited a desire to learn the language and he uses words like "gorgeous" to describe Chinese.

"I hope when I come back (to China), I will be able to read and communicate more on my own and really experience the culture firsthand."

This journey has prompted him to reconsider his future career.

Initially, he had doubts regarding the practicality of pursuing a professional music career, particularly in terms of being able to make a living.

"But I come here and I get to meet so many people, interact with so many phenomenal musicians and experience so much beauty.

"Seeing all of that and knowing that, if nothing else, I have a wide range of instruments I can play, I can fit well into ensembles of different levels and styles. So, there's something to be said for the world of music in the future," he says.

Contact the writer at xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn