Exploring the Role of Music Education in Fostering Cultural Identity: Integrating Lahu Folk Music and Western Art in Lao Dabao Village, Lancang, Yunnan

This study aims to understand how music education helps promote cultural identity by incorporating Lahu folk music and western art music in the curriculum of Lao Dabao Village, Lancang, Yunnan. However, there is a dearth of literature on the effects of integrating indigenous and western learnt music in education settings especially among the rural Chinese populations. Therefore, the aim of this research is to access how this integration influences students cultural identity, empowers marginalized communities, and enhances their sense of belonging. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilizing structured interviews with six students from the music education program in Lao Dabao Village. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes from the interview data. The findings revealed that integrating Lahu folk music and Western art significantly enhances students understanding and appreciation of their cultural heritage, strengthens their cultural identity, boosts their confidence and sense of agency, and fosters a stronger sense of belonging within their school and community. These results imply that culturally inclusive education can play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting community integration. According to such findings, such educational programs should be encouraged and expanded to be able to contribute towards making learning environment more accepting for everybody but for the benefit of specific learners and the community as a whole.