Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

This study explores how Nanyin as a traditional Chinese music art form originating in China is taught and learned in Singapore. Educational materials and historical contexts highlight variations in ideologies, learning methods, and teaching approaches for Nanyin across regions, which can be attributed to socio-cultural differences. The practice of Nanyin is intricately tied to traditions, rituals and Confucian values that have always been part of Chinese culture. However, the hold that these beliefs and values have on Nanyin practitioners in a multi-cultural society like Singapore may differ. Singapore’s endeavour to establish a distinct and unique musical identity has led to the development of cultural policies which have shaped the current pedagogy of Nanyin in the country. This research employs an ethnographic approach to uncover the disparities between the historical, aesthetical and mythological perspectives of Nanyin to discover the driving factors behind its present learning and teaching practices. In doing so, it documents the evolution of Nanyin education in Singapore, emphasising its significance as an integral component of the Chinese Culture. This paper is based on a comparative analysis of pedagogical models from China, Taiwan and Indonesia, offering a valuable framework for the continued learning and teaching of Nanyin in Singapore, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of this musical heritage.