Educational Perspectives on the Transmission of Jin-style Laoting Dagu as Musical Literacy

Jin-style Laoting Dagu is a traditional Chinese folk music form that integrates rhythmic drumming, expressive vocal storytelling, and instrumental accompaniment, originating in Laoting County, Hebei Province. This study investigates the role of Jin-style Laoting Dagu in fostering musical literacy and cultural preservation within educational settings. Conducted in Luannan County, a region known for its strong folk music tradition, the research engaged four key informants: one academic expert in folk music education and three Laoting Dagu inheritors actively involved in performance and teaching. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, we collected the data through fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and document analysis. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that integrating Laoting Dagu into school curricula significantly enhances students' musical literacy, particularly in rhythm comprehension, tonal variation, and expressive performance skills, while fostering cultural identity. However, challenges such as a lack of trained instructors and insufficient institutional support hinder its full integration. The study recommends structured curriculum development, specialized teacher training, and incorporating digital learning tools to sustain Laoting Dagu education. These insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on traditional music transmission and highlight the importance of bridging heritage preservation with contemporary education policies.