Yuping Xiaodi (Bamboo Flute) Musical Instrument in Yuping County, Guizhou Province, China

Abstract

The study employed the qualitative research methodology of ethnomusicology. The objectives are 1) To study the process of making a musical instrument of Yuping Xiaodi 2) To analyze the playing techniques of Yuping Xiaodi 3) To study the music cultural change of Yuping Xiaodi in Yuping county, Guizhou province, China. The data were mainly collected from fieldwork with the key informants and presented in the descriptive analysis format.

The results are as follows: 1) The making craftsmanship of Yuping Xiaodi is divided into four processes, including material selection, model making, carving, and finished product. There are many detailed steps in each process. It takes about 26 steps to make. Of all the steps, material selection and tuning are the most important. Carving is the most difficult. 2) There are more than 20 commonly used playing techniques for Di and 15 commonly used playing techniques for Xiao. They all need to use four techniques: Breath, fingering, lips, tongue. the playing techniques are classified into three levels: basic techniques, intermediate techniques, advanced techniques. 3) There are 6 main reasons for the change in Yuping Xiaodi instrument: Positioning and development, Policy and strategy, Business and marketing, Craftsmanship and technique, Transmission and protection, Performances and creations.

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