This past November, we (Kelly and Justin) travelled to China to experience its music, arts, and live performance culture firsthand. The primary purpose of the trip was to research advanced music and live-event technology so we can continue upgrading Main Stage Rehearsal Studios in Hamilton, Ontario for musicians across Hamilton, the GTA, and beyond.
China is home to many of the world’s leading music-technology manufacturers. Seeing the ecosystem firsthand gave us a clearer understanding of how innovation, scale, and accessibility can work together. This trip wasn’t a vacation—it was a direct investment in our music community.
Experiencing China’s Cultural Investment in Music and the Arts
One of the most impactful parts of the journey was witnessing how deeply the arts are valued in China. There is strong, long-term government investment in cultural programming—not to maximize profit, but to help audiences truly experience history and culture through live performance.
At Splendid China Folk Village, we watched multiple world-class productions featuring over 100 performers, immersive lighting and sound, and thoughtfully designed stages. Shows of this scale—comparable to large circus-style performances—are offered free daily to visitors. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when artists are supported with the right resources.
We also spoke with several performers who shared that their role goes beyond stage time. Throughout the day, they interact with visitors and help bring cultural stories to life. Seeing a system that creates meaningful, sustainable work for artists was incredibly inspiring.
Community Music Centers and Global Music Education Models
Another meaningful part of the trip was visiting community-based music centers, where music education is part of everyday life. Many centers featured 10 or more individual piano practice rooms, all professionally soundproofed and easily accessible to the public.
We learned that music development in many parts of Asia is heavily rooted in classical training and technical foundations from a young age. This sparked thoughtful conversations about how different regions approach music education.
We shared how, in the Western world, music education also includes band-based learning. Starting a band at a young age helps develop confidence, teamwork, responsibility, communication, planning skills, and long-term friendships—skills that extend far beyond music itself. These discussions even opened the door to future ideas around cultural exchange through music.
Experiencing China’s Cultural Investment in Music and the Arts
One of the most impactful parts of the journey was witnessing how deeply the arts are valued in China. There is strong, long-term government investment in cultural programming—not to maximize profit, but to help audiences truly experience history and culture through live performance.
At Splendid China Folk Village, we watched multiple world-class productions featuring over 100 performers, immersive lighting and sound, and thoughtfully designed stages. Shows of this scale—comparable to large circus-style performances—are offered free daily to visitors. It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when artists are supported with the right resources.
We also spoke with several performers who shared that their role goes beyond stage time. Throughout the day, they interact with visitors and help bring cultural stories to life. Seeing a system that creates meaningful, sustainable work for artists was incredibly inspiring.
Exploring Huaqiangbei: The World’s Largest Electronics and Music Technology Market
A major highlight of the trip was visiting Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen, widely known as one of the largest electronics and technology markets in the world. This massive district spans multiple buildings filled with thousands of vendors specializing in:
- professional audio equipment
- stage and concert lighting
- LED display technology
- live event hardware
- electronic components for music production
Many vendors speak English and are transparent about pricing. Even with hundreds of sellers offering similar products, pricing remains highly competitive. Business is driven not only by cost, but by service quality, trust, and long-term relationships. Some vendors offer international shipping, while others focus on domestic manufacturing—giving buyers flexibility and choice.
Being in a region where much of the world’s music and live-event technology is designed and manufactured gave us a clearer understanding of real production costs, product quality differences, and emerging industry trends.
New Music and Event Technology Upgrades Coming to Main Stage Rehearsal Studios
As a direct result of this trip, we’re introducing several upgrades at Main Stage:
- LED video wall panels in the Showcase Room for visuals, branding, and immersive live shows
- A new lighting control system for more dynamic performances
- Individual stage monitor mixes for better sound control and comfort
Each upgrade is chosen with one goal in mind: to help musicians rehearse, perform, and create at a higher level—while keeping Main Stage accessible and affordable.
Meet Gigabite: Our Newest (Robot) Team Member 🤖 🐶
Before leaving China, we also welcomed a unique new addition to the Main Stage family: Gigabite, our robot dog.
Gigabite represents our curiosity, our passion for innovation, and our commitment to staying tech-forward. He’s already turning heads at the studio—and don’t worry, he doesn’t bite.