Taiwanese Teachers Compose Music Dreams in Mainland China: Using Sound as a Medium to Connect Music with Heart | Taiwan | Teachers

Zhaoqing, August 14th, China News Agency (Xinhua) - Taiwanese teachers composing music dreams in mainland China: using sound as a medium to connect the heart with music

China News Agency reporter Cai Minjie

As a teacher, researcher, and cultural disseminator, Taiwanese music teacher Li Guoying has unlocked multiple identities in mainland China.

"In the past, I only needed to be responsible for teaching and promoting performance activities, but now in mainland China, I not only need to become a 'versatile person' who can teach, learn, and research, but also need to cultivate students into composite talents who understand performance and technology." Li Guoying recently said in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, "I truly believe that in recent years, I have been able to grow rapidly, and choosing to work here is right.".

On June 26th, Taiwanese music teacher Li Guoying guided students to play the piano at Zhaoqing College. Photo by Chen Jimin, journalist from China News Agency

Leave behind a starry lake

In 2013, Li Guoying completed his doctoral degree overseas and returned to teach at a local university in Taiwan. Five years later, as she watched batches of graduates embark on better careers, she also had the idea of "refreshing" her life experiences.

"People who study art need to constantly be exposed to new things. My life needs new nutrients in order to have new creative inspiration." Li Guoying said that during a casual conversation, she met a Taiwanese teacher teaching at Zhaoqing College through social media and learned that the college is recruiting talents. Considering her pleasant experience of visiting mainland China before and with the blessings of her family and friends, in 2018, Li Guoying crossed the strait and came to Zhaoqing, which has the beautiful scenery of "the emerald on the Tropic of Cancer".

Overlooking the Duanzhou District of Zhaoqing, one can see a large area of lush mountains and forests, like a huge emerald, with lakes dotted like stars on the earth. "That starry lake is the most attractive to me, with beautiful scenery," said Li Guoying. "Here, during the day, I stroll through the calligraphy pool of the college, and at night, I admire the starry lake. The overall atmosphere is very good, and I have decided to stay here.".

On June 26th, Taiwanese music teacher Li Guoying took a stroll at Zhaoqing College. Photo by Chen Jimin, journalist from China News Agency

Exploring natural wonders in Guilin, Guangxi, admiring the grandeur of the Yellow River in Lanzhou, Gansu, and watching large-scale performances in Guangdong... Now, Li Guoying follows in the footsteps of her parents, using her footprints to record the customs of the mainland. "I think the development direction of the mainland is diverse, and each place has its own characteristics, constantly improving. It can be said that the speed and progress of development have exceeded my imagination."

"Many Taiwanese relatives and friends are curious about my living conditions here, and I will describe what I have seen and heard to them." Li Guoying said that during my years working in Zhaoqing, I have witnessed the continuous development of local transportation, economy, and other factors, which has attracted many outstanding talents. "Some Taiwanese students are considering pursuing graduate studies in mainland China.".

Both sides of the Taiwan Strait seek development for students

In Li Guoying's view, although there are certain differences in the form of music teaching courses between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the goal is to enable students to achieve better development.

"After arriving in Zhaoqing, I will discuss music teaching issues with teachers in Taiwan. How to teach students well is a common topic." Li Guoying said that the curriculum arrangement in mainland China is becoming more diverse, hoping to cultivate students into applied talents.

On June 26th, in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, Li Guoying guided students in practicing the piano at Zhaoqing College. Photo by Chen Jimin, journalist from China News Agency

In addition to daily teaching, Li Guoying also leads multiple academic projects to enhance his research abilities and explore diverse development directions for students. "One of the goals I have set for music students is to move towards digitalization, including collaborating with digital groups to help students understand the process of database establishment and jointly research and improve online music retrieval systems. This way, they can understand the development of the industry in advance and have multiple employment or further education options upon graduation."

Homesickness is the power of creation

There are many vivid and humorous local children's songs circulating in Guangdong, among which the most famous is "Moonlight".

The picture shows Li Guoying playing the piano in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province on June 26th. Photo by Chen Jimin, journalist from China News Agency

"This song has different dialect versions, both in Guangdong and Taiwan, which I find very interesting." Li Guoying said, "Some music exists in different places because they all come from the same ideology. Taking" Moonlight "as an example, because we have the same feelings for our hometown, when we see the moon, we will convey the same local accent and sentiment.".

Li Guoying has been accompanied by music performance for many years. As the language deep in her soul, she believes that music is the carrier and bond of emotions. The moment the song is sung, the heart will be pulled closer.

"In the process of music creation, everyone will have the most direct communication." Li Guoying said, "Young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait can collaborate to play music, and if possible, I am willing to participate in the coordination work."

On June 26th, Li Guoying was interviewed at Zhaoqing College in Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province. Photo by Chen Jimin, journalist from China News Agency

During her years in Zhaoqing, Li Guoying participated in projects such as the "Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Youth Film Program", using a director's perspective to collect stories of singers singing local folk songs and ballads, and filming them into short films to promote the blooming of folk culture and art.

"Life is not limited, and I think young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait can try different things," said Li Guoying. "There are quite a few opportunities on the mainland, and as long as you are prepared, you can always wait until the moment of 'blooming'.".