MANDARIN AND MUSIC WITH MURRAY JAMES

Recently I did an interview with Phil Crimmins, the co-founder of Mandarin Blueprint. Phil is an old friend and drummer I used to perform with around Sichuan. He invited me on his podcast to speak about my experience learning Mandarin and making music in China. The podcast covers many topics, including:

• definitions of language fluency and proficiency;
• reasons to learn (and not to learn) a foreign language;
• similarities between language and music;
• the benefits of patience;
• moving past the “intermediate plateau”;
• immersion/environmental factors;
• language learning and empathy;
• my experience teaching at a Chinese music conservatory;
• aural reading and reading speed;
• reading Chinese literature;
• concision as an indicator of language ability;
• my upcoming role at NYU Shanghai;
• and more.

The podcast can be watched/listened to on the Mandarin Blueprint website. It’s also on YouTube.