Developing Strategies and Practices for Chinese Traditional Instrumental Music Education: A Case Study of the Chinese Primary School National Music Orchestras

This paper explores the current status of contemporary sustainable national music education, using the development of Chinese primary school national music orchestras as an example. National music holds a significant position in Chinese culture. “The National Curriculum Standards for Compulsory Education (2011 Edition)” incorporates the promotion of national music as a fundamental principle of music education, emphasizing the importance of integrating the excellent traditional music of all ethnic groups in China into the curriculum. As an extension of the school-based curriculum, national music orchestras allow primary school students to cultivate their character in a joyful atmosphere while enhancing their national pride and fostering their comprehensive musical qualities. This paper applies qualitative research methods, it begins by outlining the current status of national music dissemination in primary schools. It then analyzes the development status of Chinese and international primary school music orchestras, seeking to identify differences and areas for potential adaptation. Through fieldwork and participant observation in the teaching and managing process with the Chinese national music orchestra at Wuhan Haidian Foreign Language Shiyan School, the paper discusses challenges such as the shortage of expert instructors and student interest. This study aims to provide deeper insights into the foundation and conditions for the development of national music orchestras in teaching, including political background, external conditions, and internal conditions, promoting the dissemination of Chinese music tradition, and facilitating the sustainable development of primary school Chinese music ensembles.