Established in 2001, the School of Music at Xi'an Shiyou University (XSYU) holds the distinction of being the only music department within an engineering university specializing in petroleum and petrochemicals in Northwest China. Over more than two decades of development, the School has cultivated unique strengths in the field of musicology among higher education institutions in Shaanxi Province. Leveraging XSYU's distinctive petroleum focus and engineering strengths, the School of Music has made significant contributions to the cultivation of arts education talent for Shaanxi and the nation.
I. History and Academic Foundation
Guided by a development philosophy of "open-door education and diverse integration", the School of Music builds upon its own faculty resources while actively integrating high-quality resources from society and peer institutions. It has established itself as an influential base in Shaanxi for training community arts practitioners, continuously invigorating the development of regional and local music culture and education. As a pilot unit for the Ministry of Education's Musicology (Music Education) curriculum reform, a member of the China Musicians Association's University Music Alliance, and a council member of the Shaanxi Provincial Higher Education Music Education Alliance, the School of Music continually explores innovation in discipline construction, playing an active demonstrative and leading role.
II. Faculty
The School of Music boasts a strong and well-structured faculty. Currently, there are 31 staff members, with 83.87% holding postgraduate degrees, including 6 doctoral degree holders. Among the 25 full-time faculty members, 10 hold senior professional titles and 14 are lecturers. In 2007, renowned composer Zhao Jiping, Honorary Chairman of the China Musicians Association, was appointed Director of the School of Music, providing pivotal direction for the discipline's development. Additionally, distinguished musicians such as bass singer Zhao Dengying (Central Conservatory of Music), tenor Zhang Yalin (Europe-based), and esteemed musicologists Zhao Talimu, Chao Haojian, Xiao Lisheng, Zhang Junren, Cheng Tianjian, Luo Qi, and Xia Zhenghua serve as Guest Professors or Adjunct Professors. They enrich the curriculum and elevate teaching quality through academic lectures, masterclasses, and other activities.
III. Research Achievements and Awards
In the past three years, the School of Music has yielded fruitful research outcomes. Faculty members have successfully led 10 government-funded research projects (from Shaanxi Social Science Foundation, Shaanxi Federation of Social Sciences, Shaanxi Department of Education, Xi'an Social Science Foundation, etc.) and undertaken 13 industry-commissioned collaborative projects. Total research funding secured amounts to nearly RMB 2.8 million. Achievements include the publication of 4 academic monographs, the granting of 4 patents, and the approval of 1 university-level research innovation team.
In terms of teaching achievements and competitions：
Won the Grand Prize (Top Award) in the Provincial Teaching Achievement Awards (1 award).
Won First Prize (1 award) and Second Prize (1 award) in the University-level Teaching Achievement Awards.
Faculty excelled in teaching competitions:
University-level Ideological Teaching Competitions: First Prize (Ideology Education track, 1 award), Second Prize (2 awards), Third Prize (1 award).
University-level Classroom Teaching Innovation Competition: Second Prize (2 awards), Third Prize (3 awards).
University-level Young Faculty Teaching Competition: First Prize (1 award), Second Prize (4 awards), Third Prize (1 award).
Won Second Prize in Teaching Quality Award (1 award).
Approved 6 university-level education and teaching reform research projects.
Approved 2 university-level first-class undergraduate courses, 2 university-level model ideology education courses, and 2 university-level textbook development projects (both published).
Since 2019, the School has been outstanding in university campus culture construction, receiving: Outstanding Organization Award (5 times), Innovation Award (1 award), First Prize (1 award), Second Prize (5 awards), Third Prize (6 awards).
IV. Talent Cultivation and Social Service
The School of Music aims to cultivate high-caliber music professionals, emphasizing the integration of theory and practice. Students consistently achieve excellence in music competitions at various levels, accumulating over 200 awards.
At the 2016 1st Shaanxi Provincial Basic Skills & Pentathlon Showcase for Music Education Undergraduates: Won Excellent Tutoring Team Award, 4 Individual Awards, 4 Pentathlon Awards, 6 Excellent Tutor Awards.
At the National Basic Skills Showcase for Music Education Undergraduates: In 2018, won Individual Pentathlon Third Prize and Micro-teaching Award; In 2021, faculty won Individual Pentathlon Third Prize, student won Singing & Accompaniment Award.
At the 1st and 2nd "Guoyun Cup" National Folk Instrumental Art Showcase: Won "Folk Music Star" and "Future Star" awards respectively.
At the 8th and 10th "Peacock Cup" National Vocal Competition for Higher Arts Institutions: Won Excellence Awards, fully demonstrating students' solid professional skills and innovative capabilities.
The newly established Xi'an Shiyou University Choir (2025) has delivered impressive performances in works such as "The Sound of the Silk Road", "Clouds over the Qinling Mountains", and "The Long March Suite". Interpreting classics with innovative approaches, the choir conveys the spirit of the Silk Road and revolutionary culture, contributing to cultural-tourism integration and patriotic education, garnering enthusiastic social response.
Employment & Social Service:
Actively conducts "Employment Outreach Activities", establishing partnerships with enterprises like Zhejiang Petrochemical Co., Ltd. to expand employment channels.
Signed agreements for collaborative training bases with Xi'ai Huinuo Art Training School, and co-established employment and educational internship bases with Xi'an Renren Art School, Zijin Folk Music, and Xi'an Wuhuan Middle School, creating a high-quality employment platform for graduates.
Leveraging the Yanta Campus location, organizes student participation in various enterprise recruitment fairs. Many graduates have secured high-quality positions at institutions including Fengdong No. 5 & 6 Primary Schools (Xi'an), Xi'an No. 63 Middle School, and Shaanxi Normal University Jinyuan International School.
Faculty and students actively participate in public welfare performances and cultural volunteer services, using music to convey warmth and strength, contributing wisdom and effort to local cultural development.
V. International Cooperation
The School of Music actively promotes internationalization, focusing on broadening students' global perspectives and enhancing cross-cultural communication skills.
In 2024, selected 2 students for a China-Japan University Student Exchange Program, fostering cultural exchange.
Successfully hosted the "High Art on Campus - Concert Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China-Thailand Diplomatic Relations" and the "Germany-China Vocal Exchange - Robert Schumann Art Song Concert", building platforms for international music and cultural exchange.
Through collaboration and exchange with internationally renowned institutions and arts organizations, the School continually absorbs advanced international music education concepts and artistic achievements, driving the discipline to new heights and laying a solid foundation for cultivating versatile music talents with a global vision.
Visual Highlights of the School of Music [Image Placeholder:
Main entrance of the new School of Music building at the East Stand of the East Stadium, Huyi Campus, Xi'an Shiyou University
The School of Music motto displayed prominently: "Where Music Captures the Soul of Petroleum, Where Petroleum Flows in the Rhythm of Music"
Official emblem of the Xi'an Shiyou University School of Music
Student practice rooms (piano rooms) located on the first floor of the East Stand, East Stadium, Huyi Campus
Faculty teaching studios (piano rooms) located on the second floor of the East Stand, East Stadium, Huyi Campus
Multi-functional meeting room of the School of Music on the second floor of the East Stand, East Stadium, Huyi Campus
Collage or selection of photos showcasing recent academic activities, lectures, or masterclasses hosted by the School of Music
(Content and statistics updated as of June 2025)
