Teaching Chinese through Song
Hong Zhang
Binghamton University / State University of New York
Description:
This
workshop will introduce the groundbreaking approach of teaching Chinese through
song. Participants will go through a step-by-step learning progression to
obtain the basics of vocal techniques. They will walk away with the confidence
and skills to improve their students’ pronunciation, diction, voice projection
and language expression through singing.
Content:
As a sung
language, a good song synthesizes the linguistic, poetic and musical beauty of speech,serving as a valuable tool
for the improvement ofa student’s spoken language
skills. The success of this approach has been demonstrated in the course
“Chinese through Song” at
Methods:
This
workshop will be highly engaging and interactive. After a PowerPoint
presentation of this innovative approach, participants will stand up and start
to warm up their voices. Their roles will shift from choral singers, to
soloists, to chorus conductors, and finally, returning to language teachersfurnished with new approach and strategy. The instructorwill demonstrate singing and conducting at the
podium, but will mainly walk around to function as the "guide on the
side," rather than as a "sage on the stage." This method
will help the instructor create an environment in which the learner will be
actively involved. It is also readily
adaptable by the participants for use in their schools and colleges.In
addition, the participants and the instructor will form a network of teachers
teaching Chinese through song, allowing anyone to seek help and cooperation in
the future.
Outline:
This
workshop will be composed of six parts: 1. A PowerPoint presentation
introducing the approach of teaching Chinese through song, with pictures and
video clips demonstrating the practices at Binghamton University, including
classes, rehearsals, and recitals. 2. Basic singing techniques, including
posture, breathing, voice projection, singing expression, and music
terminology. 3. Two sample songs with music, lyrics, vocabulary lists, cultural
background information, and teaching notes. 4. The basics of coaching singing
and conducting a chorus, including conducting gestures, empowering students’
vocal potential, conducting with feeling, and encouraging communications. 5. A
master class for three volunteers to sing songs in front of the class. The
instructor will analyze and respond to the sound they produce. 6. A class
recital with a chorus and solos, providing an opportunity for the participants
to show their achievements from this workshop. These six parts will guide the
participants through a step-by-step learning progression, from “singing along”
to “singing alone,” and furnish language educators with the basic skills of
vocal coaches and chorus directors. The
workshop usually takes two hours, but can be shorter or longer depending on
available time.
Audience:
All
conference participants (I gave a workshop for the Second International
Conference on Chinese Language Pedagogy at York University in Canada this past
summer. The workshop was given at the plenary session and was extremely well
received by all participants).
Outcome:
The
participants will be able to create a course of Chinese through Song, form a
Chinese chorus, or teach students a few songs as cultural activities. Their
students will improve pronunciation, diction, voice projection, and language
expression by singing Chinese songs, and enhance their interests in Chinese
music and culture.
Dr. Meiru Liu,
Dr. XueqingXu,
Dr. Eric
Yang, University at
Dr. LiuxiMeng,