Cross-cultural Inheritance and Innovation of Piano Study Skills: The Role of Cultural Diversity In Music Education

Abstract

The integration of multicultural music education within school curriculums has gained significant momentum across the globe. The landscape of piano pedagogy within Chinese universities is undergoing significant transformation. Our mixed methods study investigated the role of cultural diversity in enhancing piano pedagogy. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 39 piano students, aged 18 and above, with varying levels of experience. The findings highlight the potential benefits and challenges associated with integrating cultural elements into piano learning. The findings revealed a strong positive association between cultural diversity and student motivation.  Participants reported increased engagement and enjoyment when incorporating elements like folk melodies from different cultures into their practice.  Exposure to diverse music also broadened musical understanding.  Learning about pentatonic scales and rhythmic patterns from non-Western traditions challenged participants to think beyond traditional Western frameworks, fostering a deeper appreciation for music theory. However, challenges were identified in integrating cultural diversity into piano learning.  The most significant hurdle was the limited availability of suitable piano arrangements, particularly for music outside the Western classical repertoire.  This highlights the need for a wider range of accessible learning materials to cater to students interested in exploring diverse musical styles.