Communication and responsibility: Open universities in China and community music education

Abstract

In the process of building a learning society in China, the government has paid more and more attention to education in communities. Community education is oriented towards all social members of society and offers a vast space for the popularization of music education. China's open universities are able to provide a learning platform and systematic support and service for music education in communities. Open universities can play an active role in promoting the construction of a harmonious society. This article discusses the necessity of music education in communities, advantages enjoyed by open and distance education, and the channels and methods for conducting community music education. This is illustrated by several recent initiatives made by the open universities in China, particularly the organization of the 2009 National Community Music Activity Broadcasting and Exhibition and the Community Singing Rating Activity. These efforts have generated new community music experiences and serve as examples to further study the concept and the social impact of community music.