On Taoist Music Education: Based on General Education of Taoism

Abstract

General Education of Taoism was compiled by a Helin Taoist in the South Song Dynasty, Lü Taigu and is a comprehensive teaching material for the education and training of Taoists. It covers the systematical knowledge and skills that Tongmengs who just enter the door of Taoism and Masters who have developed maturely should have. The singing of rhymes and instruments and tunes are essential content of each stage of the education and training. Interpreting this book from the perspective of music education, we can find that it reflects the following characteristics: a) The pursuit and practice of Taoism is the fundamental goal of the education of Taoist music. b) The content of education is the organic integration of rhyme and tunes. c) Echoing and individual teaching are two major teaching methods. d) The teaching process also reflects the specific growth process of a Master. These characteristics initially reflect the basic features of Taoist music education from different aspects.