Li Jinhui’s musical background and his preschool music textbook in China

Li Jinhui (1891-1967) is one of the most influential and controversial composers in modern Chinese history. He pioneered the performing art form of Chinese children’s song and dance drama and was one of the founders of Chinese popular music. However, the composer acquired the pejorative label of ‘yellow musician’ as some critics considered his works on popular music was associated with pornography since the late 1920s. From the mid-1930s onwards, the education sector banned all of his works. Despite most studies focusing on Li Jinhui’s popular music and literary works, his contributions to children’s music education, especially for preschool children aged 3-6, have yet to be addressed. Many of Li’s children’s songs and teaching approaches still need to be explored from a literary perspective, including some of his compositions, works, and music textbooks. Scholars started to pay attention to his many hitherto neglected works when the ban on Li Jinhui’s music was lifted in the late 1920s. This study will explore the teaching approaches utilized in Li’s preschool music textbooks and how these approaches from the 1930s can be applied to modern preschool music education. In addition, the research aims to understand Li’s intention in creating this teaching approach according to his life and music background. Special attention was also given to the relationship between his works and traditional folk culture. Analyzing approaches and concepts in his “Popular Textbook-Music Textbook and Teaching Method in Kindergarten” is important to discover how his ideas have influenced the history of music education. In this study, firstly, Li Jinhui’s music background was investigated, and the impact of his life and work on his music composition was examined. Secondly, the practices and approaches adopted (including choreography, props, singing approaches, and performances) were determined by analyzing his preschool music textbooks’ content and teaching approaches. Finally, the development of Li Jinhui’s composition that are evident from the works and textbooks of other composers was identified. Then, the potential of Li’s works and music textbooks as tools for contemporary preschool music education was explored. The main idea of this study is to enrich the history of the famous Chinese composer’s musical compositions and teaching materials for children. This study also aims to elucidate Li Jinhui’s contribution to children’s music by analyzing his style, historical background, and educational approaches, including collecting literature or printed materials, to ultimately acknowledge his influence on future generations.

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