Chinese Students‟ Perceptions of Creativity: The Role of School Education and Music Teachers, and Students‟ Preferences for Music Genres and Music Activities

In response to the challenges of globalisation since the 2000s, The Chinese Government has developed creative industries through education reforms by moving away from rote instruction and examination-orientated learning to student-centred creative practices. China has emphasised the importance of creativity and innovation in its national development and the role of education in fostering students' creativity in a culturally diverse nation and world. With particular reference to the city of Changsha (the first UNESCO city of media arts in China), this paper explores Chinese students' perceptions of creativity in learning and experiencing creativity within and beyond classroom music. The principal research question of this study was threefold: (1) to discover the values of students' creativity in school education and the role of music teachers; (2) to assess creativity in taught different music genres in classroom music lessons; and (3) to examine the importance of creativity through music activities in formal and informal education. Data from a sample of 1,958 Chinese school students, mainly aged between 11 and 15, from seven schools were collected between 2019 and 2020. Based on the data, the findings of this study showed that there are challenges to the role of school education and music teachers in providing rich opportunities for students in respect to music activities and music genres. Music teachers must consider means to cultivate creativity and creative attitudes and encourage students across primary and secondary school levels to develop their creativity.