Sound of Suzhou - SURF 2026

6,000

As the Principal Investigator, I conceived and led this practice-based summer research project documenting Suzhou's unique soundscape, encompassing traditional performing arts (Kunqu Opera, Pingtan), natural elements in classical gardens, and contemporary urban life, which has remained largely undocumented despite the city's cultural renown. I structured the project into three phases: training in professional audio recording and research ethics, supervised fieldwork at heritage sites across Suzhou, and thematic analysis culminating in audio compositions, sound maps, and academic posters for the SURF Poster Fair. I established a comprehensive supervision framework of weekly group meetings, individual consultations, and on-site fieldwork guidance to support undergraduate researchers. The project's audio archive and creative outputs will contribute to preserving Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage while generating pedagogical resources for future teaching. This project demonstrates my capacity to design and execute rigorous, practice-led research while fostering undergraduate students' development through structured mentorship.