One of the great things about working at a university is getting to experience the wide variety of events and cultural programs that happen across campus. It also means being “in the know” about some truly special places that many people—sometimes even those who work here—don’t realize exist.
One of those hidden gems is the Center for Chinese Music and Culture at Middle Tennessee State University. Every time I visit, I find myself slowing down to take in the instruments, costumes, and artifacts that tell the story of a rich and expansive musical tradition. It is the kind of place where you can easily spend an hour simply wandering and learning.
The Center of Chinese Music & Culture at MTSU
The center houses hundreds of instruments, garments, and cultural pieces from different regions and time periods of China. One of the most striking displays is the wall of bells, which fills the space with layered tones when played. Another favorite is the set of slab chimes, which produce a softer but equally mesmerizing sound.
It is incredible to see these instruments not just on display, but actively used by visiting musicians and scholars who come to perform and teach.
Student Experiences
Over the years, I often brought new international students to the center, where the director, Dr. Mei Han, would generously guide us through the collection and share the history behind each piece. Students were even invited to participate in a drum circle, and what began as quiet hesitation often turned into joyful, energetic rhythm as they gained confidence.
The center itself was reason enough to visit, but the Lunar New Year celebration made the experience unforgettable.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Dragon
The center also hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year, but one of the most anticipated is the celebration of Lunar New Year. We were fortunate to attend the celebration of the Year of the Dragon, and it was an unforgettable experience.
When we arrived, guests were welcomed outside the concert hall with traditional hot tea and beautifully decorated envelopes filled with chocolate coins. Inside, tables of food were shared before the performance began, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that immediately set the tone for the evening.
When the concert started, we were captivated by the music. Each piece featured different traditional instruments, many of which we had never seen or heard before. The performances were inspired by Chinese folk stories from across different regions, and each one added another layer of meaning to the experience.
The Dragon Dance Performance
But the highlight of the evening came with the Dragon Dance. As the final performance began, a dragon emerged and moved through the room in rhythm with the music, weaving its way through the audience before making its way onto the stage. The entire performance felt alive—energetic, joyful, and deeply symbolic. When it finally came to rest at center stage, the room erupted in applause.
Afterward, guests were invited up for photos, and we were thrilled to take part. The atmosphere was full of celebration, laughter, and people wishing each other a happy new year. It was one of those rare moments where everything feels connected and full of meaning.
Sharing that experience with my daughter made it even more special. She tried to sing along to the music, watched the dragon in complete awe, and later asked questions about the Chinese zodiac animals and what they represented. Before we even left campus, she was already asking when we could come back to the center again.
And of course, the answer was yes.
Experiences like this are one of the unexpected gifts of being connected to a university community. They remind us that meaningful cultural moments don’t always require faraway travel—sometimes they are happening just a short walk away, tucked into a space you might otherwise pass by without realizing what’s inside.
The celebration of the Year of the Dragon was beautiful on its own, but what made it truly memorable was being able to share it together as a family and walk away with a deeper appreciation for the traditions, stories, and connections that bring people together.
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Thanks for joining us for a night with the Center of Chinese Music and Culture. May the year of the dragon bring you power, strength, luck, and wisdom.
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