Traditionally the Chinese have believed that sound influences the harmony of the universe. Until quite recently the Chinese theoretically opposed music performed solely for entertainment, accordingly, musical entertainers were relegated to an extremely low social status.Chinese music is the body of vocal and instrumental music composed and played by Chinese People.Forseveral thousands of years Chinese Culture was dominated by the teachings of the philosopher Confucius who conceived of musicin the highest sense

as a means of calming the passions and of dispelling unrest and lust, rather than as a form of amusement. The ancient Chinese belief that music is meant not to amuse but to purify one’s thoughts.Melody and tone are prominent expressive features of Chinese music, and great emphasis is given to the proper articulation and inflection of each musical tone. Chinese musical instruments have been classified according to the materials used in their construction, namely, metal, stone, silk, bamboo, gourd, clay, skin and wood. The older instruments include long zithers, flutes, panpipes, the sheng, or mouth organ and percussion instruments, such as clappers, drums and gongs. Of later origin are various lutes and fiddles introduced to China from Central Asia.

Modern Chinese Music

Today’s Chinese music is quite similar to modern Western music. Just like young Westerners, now young Chinese attend the concerts of famous Chinese pop stars. Modern Chinese orchestras play both adapted versions of traditional pieces and classical and modern symphonic compositions. Popular modern music incorporates many aspects of Western music from electric keyboards to guitars. Much of today’s popular music can be classified as R&B, rock, blues, or dance music.

In modern Chinese music, many traditional facets still remain. Many traditional Chinese instruments are used in conjunction with popular instruments of Western cultures. The mixing of traditional instruments with western instruments creates a wide variety of euphonious sounds and rhythms, and the mixing with western styles of singing creates unique Chinese sounds. Many modern artists also incorporate traditional Chinese melodies into their songs, so even music using only popular Western instruments sounds different. The mixing of Western styles and Chinese styles with traditional Chinese instruments and other instruments allows for the creation of an endless scope of expression with modern Chinese music. Many modern instrumental music pieces incorporate traditional instruments while adapting a more modern style. However, instrumental music is still very traditional. Many works of traditional music are still played

	by small quartets and large orchestras. Chinese melodies are quite unique and incorporate into many modern compositions.Chinese instrumental music has changed because it is no longer restricted to the traditional format. Even non-traditional instruments such as the piano are used in creating modern works.