Huai Opera is a traditional Chinese operatic form known for its distinctive vocal techniques, melodic tunes, and captivating storytelling, originating from the Huai River region in China. The study’s primary objective is to investigate vocal technique literacy in Huai Opera for school-based education in Shanghai Municipality, China. Anchored in musicology and ethnomusicology, this research is conducted within the School of Huai Opera, encompassing the Southern and Northern Schools, known for their distinctive regional influences and vocal styles. Two key informants, a seasoned Huai Opera performer and vocal instructor and an accomplished ethnomusicologist, lend their unique insights to shed light on the multifaceted nature of vocal technique literacy in Huai Opera education. The structured interviews and systematic observations that were used to collect data are carefully analyzed to show the different breathing techniques, vocal techniques, and rhythms that makeup Huai Opera’s vocal technique literacy curriculum. The study’s findings underscore the significance of integrating traditional arts into contemporary education systems to preserve cultural heritage and enrich students’ educational experiences. It emphasizes the need for innovative pedagogical approaches and highlights the role of traditional arts in nurturing cultural engagement among youth.
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