The Influence of Guizhou Folk Singing Techniques on Vocal Performance in China

Abstract

This article examines the influence of ethnic minority vocal traditions in Guizhou, China, on the development of contemporary bel canto singing. The authors compared the development of vocal techniques over a short period of time through field research on ethnic minority music in Guizhou and interviews with faculty at local conservatories in Guizhou over the past few years. The article also explains the influence of Guizhou's ethnic minority folk songs on the development of Chinese vocal music since 2015. Originating in the mountainous regions of Guizhou and influenced by the acoustic environment of the mountains, this breathing method has led to the distinctive vocalization style of Guizhou folk songs: the natural singing method. Since 2015, these influences have gradually emerged in conservatories and stage performances. Data analysis from a single university in Guizhou (2012–2025) revealed a 23% increase in the proportion of courses covering ethnic vocal techniques, and students significantly improved in timbre integration and expressiveness after learning about ethnic singing methods. The study suggests that the emotional directness and group resonance emphasized in Guizhou's folk aesthetics offer important insights and development directions for the localization and diversification of bel canto teaching in China.