Exploring Folk Pedagogy and Cultural Transmission: A Case Study of Henan Zhuizi Instruction in China

This study explores the teaching and transmission of Henan Zhuizi, a traditional Chinese folk music form, at a folk art school in Henan Province, China. Employing traditional oral teaching methods, students learn Henan Zhuizi under the guidance of instructors through listening, imitation, and performance. Instructors segment songs to facilitate easier learning and emphasize physical training to perfect posture and expression. Cooperation among students and mentorship relationships both facilitate learning and ensure the transmission of tradition. To understand how folk training schools conduct Henan Zhuizi education and assess the feasibility of its protection within the current educational framework, this study utilized qualitative classroom observations and semi-structured interviews during a month-long field investigation at the institution. A thematic analysis of the data concluded that despite the structured teaching approach, there are still challenges in mastering this art form. The findings provide valuable insights into advancing the preservation and inheritance of folk music.