"This is the first time I am teaching music. The approach is to teach using a particular song, so it is accessible to people without a music background. The app is simple and fun," says Yuan.

In addition to releasing his own albums, Hu also writes and produces albums for other pop singers, such as Taiwan singers Wilber Pan and Elva Hsiao.

In 2011, Hu took a year's break to study music production in the United States. His transition from a singer-songwriter to a music educator was driven by his dream of discovering new talent.

Hu's music training school collaborates with the record company Wonderful Music and Mai Live, a live performance tour program initiated by Damai, one of the largest entertainment ticketing websites in China.

In early December, 30 students from the training school performed in Shanghai.

"Like the name of the school, New Band, our long-term goal is to go in-depth into touring, branding and promotion," says Hu.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn