Dizi instruction by Two Measures at a Time
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Testimonials

This page was updated on December 11, 2007.

"I was impressed by the sound of the Dizi and wanted to learn how to play it. I had been playing the guitar and the piano, but no wind instrument. And these are difficult for beginners ! There was no way to find a teacher where I live, and all the methods I could find were in Chinese. Then I came upon Tim's website. At first I thought the program was rather expensive, but I found good reviews on some forums and decided to give it a try. Well, not only is the program very good, and you can learn quickly and have pleasure working on it, but most of all, Tim is a wonderful person, willing to know what your background is in order to be able to help you his best, and always keeping in touch. You can ask questions, send recordings and videos of what you can (or can't) achieve, and he will always reply very kindly and quickly, giving invaluable advice. I'm really convinced that if you want to learn dizi and can't have a teacher at home, it's the best way to go. I didn't expect that much personal involvment and am really amazed... You can contact me for more info about this program: c.rabachou@gmail.com "
~Catherine RABACHOU.
Catherine lives in the South of France and works as a Finance Director in a hospital. Catherine has always been more or less involved in playing music, but strictly as an amateur.



"I have been working through pieces in the Two Measures at a Time program and have performed some of them in concerts. Tim has always been prompt and most helpful in giving feedback on my playing (sent as email attachments) and providing extra information about the pieces in response to my questions. I really appreciate his friendliness and sense of humour. You couldn't wish for a nicer and more helpful teacher. My wish is that he create another companion volume to the current set of 12 practices - another 12, please Tim! "
~Kathleen Chindarsi
Kathleen Chindarsi teaches mathematics, statistics, and economics at Australia. She is a keen amateur musician and plays flute(s) in a chamber music group.



"As a professional flutist and ethnic flutist, I am absolutely thrilled to have found Tim Liu. The dizi that he imports are hands-down the best available—every single one that I have ordered has had a great scale and a beautiful tone. I have also used Tim’s Dimo Pasting DVD and his “Birds Amid Tree Shadows” CD. These have been invaluable in my quest to master the dizi. The Dimo Pasting DVD should be a required prerequisite for anyone beginning the dizi! I am also in awe of Tim’s knowledge and willingness to help others in their dizi pursuits. He is an amazing musician…and one of the most gracious people I have ever worked with. "
~Tereasa Payne
Freelance Flutist/Ethnic Flutist/Woodwind Doubler in Florida. Contact Tereasa at: www.tereasapayne.com



"....The next concert for me was a convention highlight. Tim Liu on the Dizi. Tim and I became firm friends. He is one of the nicest guys one could imagine. Before the Convention started I showed him the Concert Hall venue and he played to me alone for about 15 minutes. Something I shall never forget. His Dizi puts Boehm flutes to shame with its gorgeous sound and Tim's wonderful character was presented through his wonderful music. That was a concert I might have missed had I not had duties to perform at that location. How lucky I was to attend the whole of that concert and for once not listening in the crack between the back stage doors... (Mr. Rayworth's comment about Tim Liu's performance. In August of 2004 he was Stage Manager for the British Flute Society's International Convention, where top performers from all over the World were invited to play.)"
~John Rayworth - Has been Membership Secretary and Council member of BFS
- the British Flute Society since 2001. To learn more about Mr. Rayworth's background please go to his web site: www.fluteweb.net



"I first discovered Tim Liu's Dizi when booked to play 'Miss Saigon' in Toronto. Since then I've used them in the Toronto productions of 'The Lion King' and 'Lord of the Rings'; also in a number of film and cd sessions, not to mention just playing them for the sheer joy of it. These Dizi are of a consistently fine quality, well-tuned and with excellent artisanship. Tim is a great resource himself. He provides very helpful and friendly service. My first choice for Dizi! Contact Les at: lesanddominique@sympatico.ca "
~Les Allt is widely recognized as one of Toronto most versatile musicians.
He is an accomplished jazz artist as well as a respected classical flautist. He can also be heard performing in the new theatrical presentation of The Lord of the Rings in Toronto.



"Since 7 years ago, I've wanted to learn Dizi, but couldn't find time for serious practice. Recently I searched online and was delighted to find Tim's website. There were other sites selling the Dizi, but nothing beats having your teacher select one for you, since each Dizi has its own unique characteristics and sound. Now I have a beautifully crafted Dizi, and a program that I can learn at my own pace, thanks to Tim! I'm a complete music illiterate, but have found Tim's program helpful and easy to understand; and if I don't understand something, he's always an email away. Which Dizi master offers lifetime support to ALL his students so freely? Your learning will only be limited by yourself! True passion is the one element that separates the great from the mediocre. Tim puts his soul into Dizi and is really passionate and sincere about imparting his art to us. Perhaps this is the reason why I find his music moving… Not only have I found a great teacher to learn from, I have also made a sincere good friend. Once again: Thank you Tim, from the bottom of my heart! "
~Christine is from the sunny island of Singapore,
- Currently pursuing a PhD (Biomedical Engineering) at Cornell University. A writer at heart, tea lover and appreciates music. Contact: tailknot@gmail.com



"I am very satisfied with the 2 measures course by Tim Liu. Tim is extremely friendly and helpful throughout the purchase process and keep me informed all throughout the way. All the pieces are well chosen, allows one to learn many important techniques in dizi playing. One useful aspect of this program is the examples of various pieces played out two measures at a time. This allows one to master entire song piece by piece, one step at a time. Each small section (2measures) is also blown by Tim, allowing us to know how it should really sound like, fairly similar to having a teacher by your side, showing you how each section should be blown. Also, another very useful aspect is Tim's assistance and feedback for answering all the questions I have in the process of going through his course. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning to play the dizi. "
~Eng-Jon is a researcher in computer vision at the University of Surrey, UK
He is a self- taught (still learning!) Dizi enthusiast although he enjoys listening to music from all forms of woodwind instruments, both eastern and western. Email: E.Ong@surrey.ac.uk



"I wanted to thank you so much for making my sister, Rubina David's wedding so special. Your flute playing during the wedding procession made that moment so unique and beautifully intimate. I was again delighted to have received your CD as a wedding favor. I now have your cd programmed to wake me in morning as my alarm system. It's such soothing music to wake up to. Your music is so rich and dynamic you really have a gift! Thank you again and I wish you the best! Sincerely, "
~Angela Yeh, Executive recruiter specializing in the -
Industrial Design Industry for 9 years, prior to that Angela was an industrial designer to design director for 5 years. Angela is a fan of int'l music and surfing 4 ft waves. Yehangela@yahoo.com



"Hi Tim, I received the video Friday, and immediately sat down to view it. First of all, it's a fabulous video! As someone who's been both a professional musician and teacher for 35 years, I am very impressed. Thank you for sharing your work in such a beautiful and easily-digestible way. (2 days after) Tim, I just pasted my first di mu today, and am pleased with the results, though feel terrifically clumsy. I have two dizi purchased when I was guest faculty at Sichuan Conservatory in Chengdu in 1998, and have been frustrated ever since, not knowing how to put the di mu on. So THANK YOU!! I feel like a thirsty woman in the desert finally finding some water. (Ms. Insull's comments on DVD program: DIZI'S DIMO - Chinese Bamboo Flute's Membrane) "
~Bonnie Insull
Professional flutist for over 35 years. Former flute faculty at Dartmouth College and Keene State College; Guest faculty, Sichuan Conservatory of Music, Chengdu, China. (More info on our LINKS PAGE)



"I am very impressed with the clearly presented examples of instruction and the beautifully performed excerpts by Tim Liu and his colleague. Based on my experiences of concertizing with Mr. Liu, I would highly recommend his complete packet for anyone interested in learning how to play the Chinese Bamboo Flute. He has done a great service by creating this comprehensive and delightful manual. Congratulations Tim Liu! "
~Carol Wincenc / NYC / U.S.A.
Julliard faculty member and Flute soloist with major orchestras around the world, Carol has premiered works written for her by many of today's most prominent composers. More info from our LINK PAGE



"... an accessible resource for composers, creative musicians or anyone interested in the Chinese flute and its music. Whether a music lover, amateur or professional, this introduction will provide the user with everything necessary for hours of enjoyable music-making from the world of beautiful Chinese folk music... "
~Paula Chan Bing / NYC / U.S.A.
Flutist of Western and Asian flutes for the Broadway show Miss Saigon, Educational Consultant for Julliard, Arts Genesis and Director of Education for the Queens Symphony



"Tim Liu imports the finest Bamboo flutes I have played. I use them often in my work in recording studios or live performance. His four compact disk course should be welcome by any musician, student or professional, who wants to learn about the wood flute in general, or the Chinese Bamboo flute in particular. "
~David Weiss / NYC / U.S.A.
David Weiss specializes in performing on flutes and woodwinds from many different cultures in a variety of styles (world, jazz, classical). To learn more about David, go to www.davidweissflute.net



"I was really excited when I found Tim's Dizi-program on the Internet as I've been searching, in vain, for some instruction and also a decent instrument. Tim provided both. The presented songs are interesting and challenging and thanks to his clever and simple system of two measures at a time complicated phrases become easy and a joy to play (why didn't I think of that!). The dizi is not an easy instrument to learn but with some effort and Tim's program the rewards are plentiful. Thanks again Tim. "
~Carl Bludts / Belgium
Flute-enthusiast who lives and works in Belgium. He is the author of two flutes CD/books The FOUR DIRECTIONS and FEATHERED PIPE MEMORIES for the Native Am. Flute. Contact: www.oregonflutestore.com



"Dear Tim - I just want to thank you for your wonderful Dizi. It is a real pleasure to play on these beautifully crafted instruments. The quality of sound and craftsmanship are wonderful and help Westerners to better understand the beauty of the Chinese art of flute-playing. I am so pleased with the two original instruments that I ordered; I am ordering additional instruments, which I know, will prove to be equally special. I also want to thank you for your professionalism in the process of purchasing the instruments. It makes doing business a pleasure. Warmly, "
~Svjetlana Kabalin / NYC / U.S.A.
Is the flutist of the Sylvan Winds in N.Y.C. She performs professionally throughout the metropolitan area and can often be found playing in different shows on B'way. EMAIL: svjkabalin@worldnet.att.net



"Outstanding craftsmanship, very good tuning and intonation, a really good instrument I will enjoy recording. "
~Sylvain Barou / Rennes / France
Breton flute and Uilleann pipes player, Irish, Breton and Indian fusion music (With Denez Prigent, Sualtam. - www.sualtam.com)



"I am very pleased with Tim Liu's 2 Measures at a Time dizi method. I appreciate the opportunity to learn the well-chosen Chinese tunes with appropriate style and ornamentation. The lessons feature tunes broken up into bite-sized fragments uncluttered by other instruments and played at a comfortable tempo. Once I learn a tune, I enjoy playing along with the accompaniment track featuring a YangQin, a Chinese hammer dulcimer. While Western notation is included, I have found learning the Chinese numeric tablature to be rewarding. While there is a lot to learn, progress comes quickly. Tim's ready willingness to answer questions eliminates the confusion that often accompanies self-study programs. I also highly recommend Tim Liu as a dizi source. His dizis are very high quality instruments, and a lot of fun to play. As a businessman, Tim is easy to deal with, and is eager to please his customers. "
~David Dahl / Portland, Oregon /U.S.A.
David and his wife are proud parents of a beautiful baby girl adopted in 2001 from Vietnam. Learn more about David's musical accomplishments @ http://web.ukonline.co.uk/flute/flweb/ddahl.htm



"I found the CD course immensely informative and beautifully organized. Should be accessible to the beginner and very informative for anyone interested in playing the Dizi - especially professional western flutists. Thanks for bringing this information to the flute community. The flutes you sold me are beautifully crafted and play so easily - I always receive compliments and questions about them... "
~Richard Brookens
World fusion composer / woodwind and percussion multi-instrumentalist playing Dizis purchased through Tim Liu. Contact: http://wwwyelowbellmusic.com



"In my search for a new musical hobby i was lucky enough to come across the 2 measures at a time website which i found both interesting and informative. More importantly though, i was able to talk with Tim Liu via e-mail and i found his help invaluable. He answered all my questions in a prompt and informative way which convinced me that the Dizi was the right instrument for me to learn. He was incredibly helpful throughout the order and delivery process, keeping me up to date with when my order was received, when the package was sent and so on. Tim's instructional program and dizi certainly met, and exceeded, all of my expectations. The instrument itself is wonderful and looks and sounds beautiful and the program is incredibly well thought out. It takes the novice through the structure and care of the flute, traditional Chinese music notation and some initial exercises before working through several traditional Chinese folk tunes. Tim takes the beginner, step by step through this process - from making the first sound to playing a tune - all the time on hand via e-mail to give valuable advice. He does this at the student's pace and his course really is the next best thing to having a dizi tutor on hand 24 hours a day. I'd recommend the course to anyone, beginners and experienced musicians alike. Congratulations Tim on a fantastic course. "
~Roger Santer / UK
Roger is a Zoologist with a broad interest in world travel and culture. He is a self-taught didgeridoo and trumpet player and enjoys world music of various styles. Contact: roger_santer@hotmail.com



"Tim Liu's products are first rate and of very high quality. His Dizi flutes were very easy to play and very well in tune right out of the package, and his service is excellent. "
~Kirby Tassos
Touring musician, B'way, Radio City Credits NYC. Contact: ktas4@aol.com



"Many thanks to Tim for his unending efforts to get me just the right instruments for The Lion King. Truly beautiful instruments! "
~Darlene Drew / IL / U.S.A.
Darlene Drew is a Chicago freelance and theater musician. Also principal flute with the Ravinia Festival Orchestra. Currently doing the ethnic flute chair on The Lion King.



"Ken Cramer, flutist, is pleased to endorse and highly recommend the Dizi, the various Chinese flutes that he now plays, and has happily acquired through the fine services of Tim Liu. Tim is a master flutist, and provides professional quality flutes made in Asia. He also provides needed accessories, as well as instruction in playing, setting up and caring for the flutes. I have found the quality of tone beautiful, colorful and varied from flute to flute. As a new player of Asian instruments, the working of the blow hole and excellent intonation makes the process of learning and playing very accessible. I enjoy playing my new Dizi, and am finding musical and contrasting experiences that have a salutary effect on all of my playing. "
~Ken Cramer
Freelanced in San Francisco from 1973-1995, Cramer played with all the regional symphony orchestras in the area, and the theater orchestras. More info about Cramer please visit our LINK PAGE



" I would like to congratulate Tim Liu on his 2 Measures at a Time Dizi program! As a musician and world music lover, I had recently become interested in the Dizi's beautiful sound, and soon decided that I wanted to learn it. I know I made the right choice by coming to Tim, as his wonderful program and service makes the learning process a musical and enjoyable experience. His flutes are beautiful in craft and in sound. The program itself goes at the right speed for beginners and professionals alike, introducing new musicians to the basics of making a sound, and leaving out no details in how to play and ornament the Chinese folk songs included. A highly effective manner of teaching Dizi with this program is the 2 Measures exercise itself; allowing you to listen and imitate the right sounds as you go along. I also found his Dizi's Dimo program to be invaluable... step-by-step you learn how to care for and paste the Dizi's vibrating membrane, the most crucial part of creating the flute's unique sound. Tim himself is a pleasure to correspond with, as he answers all of my questions in a friendly and prompt manner. I will have fun for years to come learning the art of this beautiful flute, and I wholeheartedly recommend this program to all! Thank you, Tim!! "
~Kristin Naigus
Kristin is currently obtaining a degree in Oboe performance from the University of Michigan School of Music. Contact: snowwolf@comcast.net



"As a person who has not much knowledge of music and Chinese bamboo flute, Dizi, I am very glad that I found Tim’s program on the web. I remember I had to go out of state last summer and wanted to get the program as quickly as possible before I went, so, I just called Tim up and met him in the Chinese Botanical Garden where he practices. There, Tim handed me the program and a fine quality Dizi. Tim was playing his Dizi and it was simply awesome, it was so authentic, and I felt the music from the Dizi was giving me a sense of joy and peace. Man, I couldn’t wait to go home and play the songs in the program myself. The program is so easy to pick up. It’s like Tim basically holds your hands throughout the program. I knew I had made the right choice getting this program. Thank you for everything, Tim!! "
~Kin Lun (Kenny) Wong
Originally from Hong Kong, Kenny Wong is currently an undergraduate student at Pace University studying International Management and East Asian studies.



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