ISM Student Masters a Rare 2,000-Year-Old Instrument
At The International School of Minnesota (ISM), students are encouraged to explore their passions and share them with others. For Miaosha “Michelle” Li (ISM ’29), that passion has become both a personal pursuit and a way to inspire her peers. Through her exceptional talent on the Pipa, Michelle is not only mastering a rare and ancient instrument—she’s introducing an entirely new sound and cultural experience to the ISM community.
Michelle has been playing the pipa since third grade—an extraordinary commitment to an instrument that many people in the United States have never even seen in person. Over the years, her dedication has transformed her early curiosity into true artistry, making her one of the few young musicians in the region to master this ancient tradition.
The pipa is a four-stringed Chinese lute with a pear-shaped wooden body and a short neck fitted with frets. With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, the instrument holds a central place in traditional Chinese music. Players use specially designed finger picks to pluck the strings, producing sounds that can be delicate and lyrical one moment, then bright, percussive, and dramatically powerful the next. The pipa is known for its expressive range—it can imitate the sound of flowing water or quiet reflection with breathtaking precision.
In the United States, the pipa remains relatively rare. While orchestras and school music programs commonly feature instruments such as the violin or piano, the pipa is seldom part of mainstream ensembles. Learning to play it requires not only technical skill but also access to specialized instruction and cultural knowledge.
“I chose the pipa because it connects me to my culture and my family,” Michelle said. “When I play, I feel like I’m sharing a story of my childhood.”
Since beginning in the third grade, Michelle has developed exceptional technique and musical maturity. Her fingers move with speed and clarity across the frets, executing intricate passages with confidence. Just as impressive as her technical ability is her expressive interpretation—she brings emotion and storytelling into every performance.
“Michelle has a remarkable level of dedication for a musician her age,” said ISM Music Director Jackson Lee. “The pipa is an extremely challenging instrument, and the control and expression she’s developed are impressive. What stands out even more is her willingness to share that talent with the school community.”
Beyond performing, Michelle has also begun sharing her knowledge of the pipa with other ISM students. She recently visited a second grade class that was preparing a piece for Lunar New Year, where she introduced students to the instrument, demonstrated how it is played, and explained some of the cultural traditions connected to it. For many of the students, it was their first time seeing or hearing a pipa in person.
“I like showing people the instrument because most students here have never seen one before,” Michelle said. “When they hear the different sounds it can make, they’re always surprised.”
She has also visited upper school band classes, where she performs short pieces, demonstrates techniques, and answers questions about the history and role of the instrument in Chinese music. By explaining the stories behind the music and how the instrument is traditionally used, she gives her peers a deeper understanding of the culture that shaped it.
“Moments like this are exactly what make this school so special,” Lee said. “Students learn not only from teachers but from each other. Michelle is sharing a part of her culture through music, and that kind of exchange is incredibly valuable.”
Her musical journey reflects the spirit of ISM: global-minded, disciplined, and passionate. By mastering an instrument that bridges cultures and centuries, she not only preserves a rich tradition but also introduces classmates and community members to something beautifully unique.
“I hope more people can learn about the pipa and traditional Chinese music,” Michelle said. “It’s something I’m really proud to share.”
From her first notes in third grade to her performances today, her growth has been inspiring to witness. Through dedication, perseverance, and love for music, she has turned an uncommon instrument into a stunning voice—one that continues to captivate everyone who hears it.
