Musicology in educational practice: The transmission of Qinqiang opera in contemporary China

Qinqiang opera, one of the earliest regional opera forms in China, faces increasing challenges in transmission due to social transformation and the shift from traditional master–apprentice training to contemporary educational settings. This study investigates how musicology is applied in educational practice to support the transmission of Qinqiang opera in contemporary China. Using a qualitative, practice-based research design, fieldwork was conducted in Shaanxi Province, the cultural center of Qinqiang opera. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven purposively selected informants (including a senior performer, a music theorist, and performers/learners), participant observation in rehearsals and instructional contexts, musical analysis of teaching repertoires, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to triangulate findings across data sources. The results reveal that musicology functions as a mediating framework that systematizes vocal techniques, enhances pedagogical clarity, deepens cultural understanding, and supports sustainable transmission through hybrid educational models that combine oral tradition with structured instruction. Musicological analysis enables educators to transform experiential performance knowledge into explicit, teachable concepts while preserving stylistic authenticity and cultural meaning. These findings are significant for music education and the transmission of intangible cultural heritage, demonstrating how traditional performing arts can be effectively integrated into modern educational systems. The study suggests that incorporating musicology into opera education improves learning efficiency, fosters artistic identity, and enhances long-term sustainability. Further research is recommended to conduct comparative studies across regional operas, examine long-term learning outcomes, and explore the integration of digital technologies in musicology-based heritage education.