An 8-year-old participant performs onstage during a child Peking Opera competition in north China's Tianjin in this July 31, 2007 photo.  China is to make Peking Opera part of music courses for students in middle and primary schools in 10 provinces this year. [Agencies]

The Ministry of Education will add Peking Opera as part of music courses for students in middle and primary schools in 10 provinces this year to give students a hands-on experience in traditional Chinese arts.

The education authorities have chosen 15 classical programs of Peking Opera as teaching materials. And in Beijing, 20 schools will offer the Peking Opera courses, the Beijing Times reported Thursday.

To encourage more young people to appreciate this art form, the ministry decided to add Peking Opera to music curriculum as part of the nine-year compulsory education.

Known as China's national opera, Peking Opera began in the late 18th century. It is a combination of music, dance, literature, face-painting and acrobatics. It is one of the most influential and representative of all operas in China. It is also widely regarded as the highest expression of the Chinese culture.

"Courses on Peking Opera will help students have a greater understanding of traditional culture," said Wang Jun who works with the Beijing Education Commission. "It's a concern that Chinese students are losing interest in Chinese traditional culture and arts. In Peking Opera courses, teachers can teach the students not only how to sing specific scenes, but also how to understand the traditional art form by telling them the stories behind them."

So far people are excited with this new educational development. The headmaster of Shuangyushu central primary school said it's necessary to bring Peking Opera into the education system.

"When I was young, everyone could sing yangbanxi [several modern programs of Peking Opera], now I'm glad to hear my students will sing it too. I will sing together with them and tell them some stories behind them."

Parent Mr. Zhang, is also glad. "I was born in the 1960s. I have fond memories of yangbanxi. If my child can sing it, we'll have more topics to talk about." But Zhang worried children cannot fully understand the historical background of yangbanxi.

The Central Academy of Drama professor Zhao Jingbo said he supported the education experiment.

"Many countries are bringing their national cultures as part of the basic education. Incorporating Peking Opera into the school curriculum is a good way for students to learn how to appreciate their national culture. Yangbanxi is a part of Peking Opera. Moreover, it's closer to life and easier to learn. So starting with yangbanxi is a good way to arouse students' interest."

The Beijing Education Commission is discussing the list of pilot schools, Wang Jun said. Before the courses begin, the commission will hire some professional Peking Opera actors to train the teachers.