Interdisciplinary Approaches to Musical Literacy through the Transmission of Guinan Caicha Xi Chinese Opera

This study examines the interdisciplinary approach to musical literacy through the transmission of the Guinan Caicha Xi Chinese Opera, a traditional folk opera from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This opera, historically performed by tea farmers, integrates storytelling, expressive melodies, and cultural symbolism, serving as a repository of local heritage. However, modernization and digital globalization have led to a decline in transmission, highlighting the need for innovative pedagogical approaches. This research adopts a qualitative case study methodology, focusing on three educational and cultural institutions actively teaching Guinan Caicha Xi Chinese Opera. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, curriculum analysis, and observational studies with nine informants, including a senior opera educator and a digital media specialist. The results reveal that an interdisciplinary approach integrating historical narratives, linguistic analysis, digital tools, and performance-based learning significantly enhances students' engagement and comprehension. While digital resources improve accessibility, traditional oral transmission remains crucial for cultural continuity. The findings suggest that combining traditional and modern educational strategies is essential for the sustainable preservation of Guinan Caicha Xi Chinese Opera in contemporary education. The study recommends future research on the long-term impact of interdisciplinary education and comparative analyses with other regional folk operas to refine the best cultural transmission practices.