Name
How Tai Chi Initiates Audiation for Taiwanese Folk Songs
Date & Time
Monday, July 27, 2026, 10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
Description
Theoretical Background Tai chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that one’s body is in constant motion (MFMER, 2011; Yu, 2014; Wayne, 1995; Wayne, 2022). Tai chi helps us become better musicians and better teachers by using holistic methods that facilitate the mind-body connection. Gordon has suggested using Laban’s elements of movement (Gordon et al., 1993; Gordon, 2012; Honda, 1995; Valerio, et al.,2000), which shares similarities with tai chi, to help students develop their musical sensitivity.Aims of the WorkshopThis workshop will introduce how tai chi motions may help students to learn and audiate Taiwanese folk songs in terms of: 1) contour, 2) speed, 3) dynamics, 4) tonal patterns, 5) tonal centers, 6) meters, and 7) rhythmic patterns.With tai chi motions, the participants will experience how to: 1) feel both vertical and horizontal phrases of the melody, 2) move gently in a deep energy with music, 3) move with the changes of the tonal and rhythm patterns, and 4) feel structure, rest, and resolution of music.Activities Examples:1) Singing or not: continuous tai chi basic motionsa) Participants will learn basic tai chi circle position.b) Presenter will sing “Craving for Spring Breeze” and ask participants to audiate the resting tone while their tai chi circle position goes to the center of their body.2) Singing with improvisation: tai chi “Embrace Tiger and Return to Mountain” motionsa) Participants will learn tai chi “Embrace Tiger and Return to Mountain”.b) Presenter will sing “Flowers in the Rainy Night” and ask participants to audiate and improvise the melody while moving with the motions.3) Singing with groups: tai chi “Wave Hands like Clouds”, “Single Whip”, and "White Crane Spreads Its Wings" motionsa) Presenter will sing “Flowers in the Rainy Night”. The groups will be asked to move three types of motions with their certain phrases.b) Participants will move their motions in unison or canon with audiations and tai chi motions.Implications for Music EducationThe implications of this workshop are introducing teachers how to help students: 1) move tai chi as warm-up activities for multicultural music; 2) audiate diverse music with flow and relaxing motions; and 3) comprehend and focus on the musical elements along with the motions of flexibility and serenity.
Location Name
512F
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Paper Presentation
Presenting Author(s)
Wuei-Chun Jane Chuang, Ying-Jung Chen