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Abstract
My project aims to explore the possibilities of fusing contemporary music styles with traditional Chinese folk songs. I have been trained in traditional Chinese folk songs singing for over 20 years and have developed a passion and connection with the music. In the most recent years, I noticed how the younger generation has become less interested in this genre and that a lot of the great melodies were slowly fading away in public recognition. With this realization, I would love to take on the mission of contemporizing traditional folk songs and re-introduce them to the general public.
I have chosen six traditional folk songs from five ethnic groups in China to fuse with five contemporary music genres: contemporary jazz, neo-soul, R&B, A Capella, and Falemnco. By exploring different instrumentations, changing time signatures, rephrasing melodies, extending the original structures of traditional Chinese folk songs, and collaborating with producers with contemporary music backgrounds, I have gained valuable knowledge and lessons every step of the way, including but not limited to the arrangement, recording, production, and mixing process.
I hope the outcome and process of this project can influence future endeavours with similar passions, shedding light on new possibilities and directions in the music industry.
Publication Date
7-1-2024
Campus
Valencia (Spain) Campus
Keywords
Traditional Chinese Folk Songs, Rearrangement, Contemporary Music, Vocalist
Recommended Citation
Tao, Ying. “The Modern Folklore Speller Case Studies on Contemporizing Traditional Chinese Folk Songs.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2024. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-contemporary-performance/290.