A Study on the Application of an Innovative Rhythm-Training Approach in Chinese Primary and Secondary School Percussion Education

This study examines how innovative percussion-teaching approaches—featuring polyrhythm structures and contemporary percussion practices—can be meaningfully integrated into primary and secondary school music education in China. The aim is to support students in developing musical creativity and expanding the expressive scope of their musical language. Guided by concepts of musical creativity, normative musical development, and participatory music practices, this research critically reviews existing scholarship and proposes a new framework for fostering creativity through percussion learning. By drawing together diverse theoretical perspectives and addressing challenges specific to the Chinese educational context, the study articulates an approach to rhythm instruction that balances technical skill with creative exploration. The framework emphasizes the importance of historical context, systematic rhythm training, and collaborative performance experiences in cultivating students’ creative capacities and fluency in musical expression. Ultimately, this study seeks to bridge traditional and innovative pedagogies, offering practical strategies for nurturing a new generation of creative young musicians who can communicate effectively through a rich and expressive musical language, contributing to the ongoing development of music education in China.