LEADING RESPONSIBLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION IN CHINESE TRADITIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION: EDUCATIONAL LEADERS' PERSPECTIVES ON AI LEADERSHIP FOR CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education and presenting new opportunities for innovation in music education. However, integrating artificial intelligence into Chinese traditional music education presents challenges for educational leaders. While the integration of artificial intelligence in higher education settings has been widely studied, limited attention has been given to leadership in the integration of artificial intelligence in disciplines that hold considerable cultural significance for China. Using an interpretivist approach, this study explored the perspectives of educational leaders in the context of artificial intelligence leadership for the sustainability of Chinese traditional music education. An interpretivist qualitative study was conducted with fifteen nationally recognised educational leaders and expert educators of Chinese traditional music from China’s universities and conservatories. These participants were selected through criterion sampling. Interviews with the participants used a semi-structured interview guide to explore their experiences and perspectives, which were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes emerged from the analysis: experiencing artificial intelligence as educational transformation, leading responsible integration of artificial intelligence, negotiating tensions between artificial intelligence and music teaching traditions, balancing artificial intelligence with cultural sustainability, and developing the capacity of educational institutions for artificial intelligence leadership. The results of this study indicate that educational leaders recognise the value of artificial intelligence as an educational resource for supporting music education if it is responsibly integrated through the guidance of experienced music educators. However, they reject integrating artificial intelligence into aspects of music education that undermine music teaching traditions. The results of this study highlight the importance of educational leadership for the sustainable integration of artificial intelligence into music education. The outcomes of this study add to the growing discourse on artificial intelligence leadership in higher education. More specifically, the findings of this study propose directions for higher education institutions to follow in the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into the education of Chinese traditional music. The findings position responsible AI integration as an institutional leadership and management responsibility requiring coordinated governance, curriculum leadership, professional development, and organisational support.