From November 21 to 22, 2023, the Forum on the Development and Construction of Music Disciplines in China co-sponsored by the China Conservatory of Music and Yunnan Arts University (YNAU) was successfully held at Yunnan Arts University.
During the forum, nearly 60 music discipline experts and scholars from more than 30 universities across the country conducted research discussions on the development and construction of the entire music discipline through academic reports, forums, and academic seminars. The master classes presented by Professor Li Xincao and Professor Liu Hui allowed students to experience the charm of the masters up close. In addition, Professor Ju Qihong and Professor Xu Yuanyong shared the research results of the related fields in their special lectures. The forum has fostered a good atmosphere of shared resources, shared future, and shared mission. It has made positive contributions to the construction and development of China's music discipline, striving to establish a music discipline system, academic system, and discourse system with Chinese characteristics, Chinese style, and Chinese spirit.
Academic Report — Examining the Practice and Forefront of China's Development of Music Disciplines
In the academic report, Professor Qiao Jianzhong gave an academic report on the "History and Significance of the Construction of Music Disciplines in China". Professor Wang Cizhao deeply explored the cognition issues of musicology with his presentation titled "The Historical Status of Musicology and the Future Development of Chinese Musicology". Professor Yang Yandi discussed the "Current Situation, International Context, and Future Prospects of Chinese Musicology Development". While presiding over the event, Professor Huang Hu remarked that the three scholars utilized their extensive disciplinary expertise and academic accumulation to scrutinize Chinese musicology from a macroscopic perspective. By reflecting upon its historical evolution and current status, they provided insights into the future trajectory of this discipline. Professor Xu Yuanyong delivered a report titled "Description of Primary Art Disciplines". Professor Xie Jiaxing shared the "Initial Intent and Conception of Writing the History of Development of Music Discipline in China". Professor Fu Xiaodong gave a report titled "Construction of the Chinese Music Discipline Development Database". The moderator, Professor Zhao Zhongming, emphasized the importance of such academic exchanges for Chinese music disciplines. He stated that the construction of Chinese music disciplines requires communication and cooperation from multiple parties, and looked forward to jointly creating the future of Chinese music disciplines.
Master Class — Experiencing the Charm of Top Musicians Up Close
Two master classes allowed the teachers and students of YNAU Music School to experience the charm of top musicians up close, inspiring their enthusiasm for professional learning and their eagerness to explore.
Renowned conductor and President of the China Conservatory of Music, Professor Li Xincao, pointed out in his conducting master class the importance of a common goal during orchestral stage performances. In daily rehearsals and performances, the spirit of unity should be pursued, and music theory should be genuinely applied in music practice. Music educator, singer, and former president of the Shenyang Conservatory of Music, Professor Liu Hui, analyzed and guided the performance of five students who participated in the vocal master class. His humorous, lively, and intuitive approach inspired the teachers and students present.
Forum on the Development and Construction of Music Disciplines in China — In-depth Discussion from Multiple Perspectives Across All Fields
Seven forums were held to facilitate discussions and exchanges on the construction and development of music disciplines from multiple perspectives across all fields, sparking a collision of ideas.
Feng Changchun, Zhao Chunting, Liu Rong, Wang Jianxin, Xu Yuanyong, and Qiao Jianzhong made reports and comments on the disciplines of ancient Chinese music history, modern and contemporary Chinese music history, and ethnic instrumental music.
Zhao Talimu, Huang Hu, Liu Rong, and Xue Yibing made academic reports and comments on the subjects of traditional musicology and ethnomusicology.
Song Jin, Yang Heping, Xie Jiaxing, and Han Zhongen gave academic reports and comments on the disciplines of music aesthetics and music education.
Chen Jiahai, Dai Baisheng, Fan Xiaofeng, Shao Xiaoyong, Pu Fang, and Shi Weizheng gave academic reports and comments about the piano, vocal music, and chorus conducting.
Yang Yandi, Zheng Zhong, Yang Jing, Tao Yabing, Jia Daqun, and Ruan Kunshen gave academic reports and comments revolving around composition theory, Western music history, and orchestral music.
Han Baoqiang, Fu Xiaodong, Man Xinying, Zhang Yi, Ju Qihong, and Jin Zhaojun made academic reports and comments on traditional music technology, music drama, and popular music.
Xie Dajing, Li Xiaoying, Jiang Cong, Chen Junyi, and Zhou Shibin delivered academic reports and comments on the disciplines of music communication, music arts management, music psychology, and music therapy.
Academic Seminar — Topic-Specific Diagnosis
The four academic seminars have more focused topics, incorporating the unique characteristics and advantages of Yunnan's music discipline development, as well as the construction of the "233 Project" at the Music School of YNAU. These seminars were held to gather insight and guidance from the participating experts. Lin Lin, Liu Hui, Fang Qiong, Yu Huicheng, Zhao Yunhong, Zongyongzhuoma, Li Jianying, Wang Xiaokang, Chen Hongling, Yin Wei, and Wang Shuo conducted discussions around the "Development and Construction of Chinese Vocal Music Discipline". Lin Lin, Ju Qihong, Sun Jinkun, Yang Jun, Huang Shaocheng, Chen Hongling, Li Jianying, Li Wei, Shu Liping, and Zeng Tingting conducted discussions around the "Development and Construction of the Chinese Ethnic Opera Research and Creation Workshop". Hou Jingyi, Ruan Kunshen, Chen Yong, Zou Yan, and Tian Jianhua conducted discussions around the construction of the composition theory discipline. Su Yimiao, Zhao Talimu, Huang Hu, Zhao Zhongming, Fu Xiaodong, Liu Rong, and Lin Lin conducted discussions concerning the construction and academic research of "Music Culture of the Southern Silk Road".
Special Lectures — Sharing Theoretical Outcomes of Systematic Research
In the two special lectures, Professor Ju Qihong discussed the topic "Aesthetic Construction of Chinese Ethnic Opera Performing Arts". He called for attention to the development of Chinese ethnic opera and emphasized the importance of vocal arrangements and life-based performance forms in Chinese ethnic opera. Professor Xu Yuanyong focused on the topic "Content and Assessment of the Mentorship Course in the Field of Music Performance". He pointed out the direction of professional construction for the current training of professional degree talents, and clarified the responsibilities and mission of mentors in music education talent training.
Concert — Showcasing Yunnan Ethnic Folk Art and YNAU's Educational Achievements
The forum's opening concert held on the evening of November 21 was jointly presented by the Youth Symphony Orchestra of YNAU, the Youth Choir of YNAU, and teachers and students from the YNAU Music School. Renowned singer and Professor Yu Huicheng from Wuhan Conservatory of Music, and famous host Zhang Qi were invited to participate in the performance. The mixed chorus "The Moon is Rising", the piano duet "The Dance of Hua Yi", the male quartet "Crab Tune", the female duet "Moon Love", the art song O Sole Mio, symphonies "Praise in the Clouds", "Reba Dance", "Beautiful Landscape" and other works demonstrated the teaching achievements of the YNAU over the years to the participating guests, teachers and students. The female solos "Painting" and "Feng Qiu Huang" performed by singer and Professor Yu Huicheng brought the event to a climax.
On the evening of November 22, the concert at the closing ceremony drew a perfect conclusion to the "Forum on the Development and Construction of Music Disciplines in China". The concert was jointly presented by the Youth Ethnic Orchestra of YNAU, the Youth Choir of YNAU, the teachers and students of the YNAU Music School, as well as invited performers including Naxi ethnic singer He Yanli, pipa performer Yang Yu, new-generation Bai ethnicity singer Xiao A Peng, and the ensemble Erhu Red. The Yunnan minority percussion suite "Yunnan Drum", Shangri-La Naxi folk song "Yalili Akabala", four-stringed qin solo "Shua Jiu", Jingpo ethnic music "Happy Mountain Jingpo", Bai three-stringed playing and singing "Jianchuan Tune", female chorus "Naxi Ancient Melody — Search", Yi miniature erhu "Cigarette Box Hu Qin Selilu" presented the attendees with a rich and colorful assortment of unique Yunnan ethnic folk music. The ethnic orchestral pieces "Celebration Overture", "Le Mi Ni Mi", and "Mountain Village Festival" showcased the teaching achievements of YNAU's Youth Ethnic Orchestra. The guests present were attracted by the music with local ethnic characteristics of Yunnan, and often responded with warm applause.
This "Forum on the Development and Construction of Music Disciplines in China" is held against the backdrop of Xi Jinping Thought on Culture, based on the actual development of music disciplines in China. Bringing together numerous top experts in the field of music throughout the country, the forum holds significant importance in the construction and development of China's music disciplines:
It is a "great mobilization" that upholds the banner and shares the mission. The forum focuses on the new cultural mission and is guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Culture. By upholding cultural confidence and maintaining openness and inclusiveness, it strives to promote the construction and innovation of China's music discipline system, academic system, and discourse system, and has enhanced people's political determination to "stick to the right path and pursue truth".
It is a "great plan" that inherits the past and ushers in the future. The forum recognizes the opportunities and challenges under the background of disciplinary adjustment and the implementation of art examination reform. By highlighting the key strengths and weaknesses and tapping into the potential and advantages, it has cultivated distinct characteristics, ensured a strong foundation and enhanced the development momentum to "move forward and break through".
It is a "great discussion" that liberates thoughts and shares achievements. The forum examines major theoretical and practical issues in the development of China's music disciplines, bringing together top music experts and scholars across the nation to conduct forward-looking thinking and overall discussions. It has outlined a strategic blueprint for the development and construction of music disciplines in China, and enhanced the innovative vitality of "keeping pace with the times and seeking truth and pragmatism".
It is a "great practice" of working together and advancing development. Focusing on educating people for the Party and nurturing talents for the country, the China Conservatory of Music and YNAU have signed a cooperation framework agreement to carry out broader and closer cooperation in talent cultivation, scientific research, service society, and cultural heritage and innovation. This has elevated our practical ability to "work together and forge ahead".
We believe that the successful holding of the "Forum on the Development and Construction of Music Disciplines in China" will undoubtedly make a significant contribution to the construction and development of music disciplines and majors, the cultivation of music talents, and the research on music education in Yunnan and across the country.
Taking this forum as an opportunity, the Music School of YNAU will carefully consider and plan the construction and development of its disciplines. Centering on the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee's "3815 Strategy" and the university's goal of building a first-class art university, it will leverage Yunnan's geographical location, cultural diversity, and the advantages of a comprehensive arts academy to compose a magnificent musical chapter. In a new era of development, YNAU aims to better implement the fundamental task of cultivating morality and nurturing talents, make greater contributions to the prosperity and development of China's music industry, promote cultural self-confidence and self-improvement, and create new brilliance for socialist culture.
