Chung Yuan Christian University, through its College of Humanities and Management, has introduced a unique and practical course, ‘Performance Venue Studies/Performance Venue Practice,’ as part of the Bachelor’s Degree Program in the ‘Music Industry Module’ this semester. Students are interning at the multifunctional performance hall in the Taipei Biotech Park. Despite not having a music department, Chung Yuan Christian University has secured internship opportunities ahead of other universities in Taipei with relevant programs. Professor Luo Ming-fang, the course instructor, emphasizes the rarity of such opportunities and hopes that through this course, students interested in backstage and performing arts can gain hands-on experience and a better understanding of the music industry and practical work.
Although originally a science and engineering-focused university, Chung Yuan Christian University actively promotes music and cultural events. The establishment of the ‘Music Industry Module’ within the College of Humanities and Management allows interested students to participate. Different from other university music departments, Chung Yuan places a strong emphasis on practical skills to train talents needed in the industry. To encourage students to gain experience both on and off the stage in artistic performance production, and after active efforts by Professor Luo Ming-fang, Chung Yuan Christian University collaborated with the Taiwan Creative Arts Development Foundation for an industry-academic partnership. The partnership provides the newly inaugurated Taipei Biotech Park performance hall as a venue for student internships. This venue, developed as a BOT project through collaboration between the Taipei City Government and Tungyuan Group, hosts monthly special events as part of a public art project, contributing to the community and society through various forms of artistic expression and embodying the spirit of sustainable development (SDGs).
After the introduction of the ‘Performance Venue Studies’ course, nearly 30 students applied, and 19 were accepted after interviews. Students enrolled in the course are required to participate in internships in three areas: front desk service, assistant to the dance director, and assistant to light and sound control, with each internship lasting 5 hours per session. Professor Luo Ming-fang stated that unlike the static nature of classroom lectures, students are more focused and dedicated in real-world settings. For example, in the professional course ‘Introduction to Lighting and Practical Applications,’ students are required to learn various lighting terms, functions, aperture sizes, etc., within a 3-hour timeframe. After group discussions, they then present works combining music and lighting. Witnessing classmates express their stories and emotions through the combination of music and lighting profoundly moved Professor Luo Ming-fang.
