Creativity, Improvisation, and Pedagogy for the Chinese Yangqin

Improvisation is commonly employed in the approach to teaching creative and imaginative music in music education systems across many cultures. However, improvisation as a creative teaching strategy is not yet applied in music programs in Chinese universities, conservatories, and schools. The aim of my research project is to formulate and develop pedagogical materials and exercises which can be used to develop contemporary music improvisation programs in Chinese education.

My study will focus on a practical/experimental approach to teaching, with the aim of discovering a viable pedagogy for transmitting the values and spirit of free improvisation. This research draws on my own experience studying improvisation at York University as well as conducting research on other North American and European institutions. It is organised on the basis of the following: 1) different models of teaching improvisation; 2) importance of improvisation in music; 3) musicianship exercises; 4) music creation; 5) improvisation strategies. I will also discern the roots of the yangqin and regional yangqin music improvisation techniques to establish an innovative approach to creating music and to compare with Western music improvisation techniques.