"The fad is spreading nowadays, especially in universities," he says.

And this music form is now part of the curriculum of vocal music professionals.

Liu Hui, the director of the Shenyang Conservatory of Music, says it is a priority to sing traditional music pieces well and such old tunes are among the five traditional styles that all professional students learn and sing in university classrooms.

Fang says she will publish a textbook on the music form.

Speaking of how she got involved with the music form, she says: "I started learning old tunes in my college years (in the 1980s). But, I finally decided to start a program to promote it as I am at an age where I am able to enjoy the loneliness of the academic world.

"My life experience and understanding of art and literature is also able to support my work.

"And what I am doing is also changing my mindset. I am more calm now, both in life and at work."

Contact the writer at fangaiqing@chinadaily.com.cn