Western Classical Music in China

Abstract

This past year, I have been researching the impact of western classical music in Chinese music pedagogy. I observed classes and carried out interviews at the Central Conservatory of Music which specializes in Traditional Chinese music. In this project, I will explain how western classical music came to China and how the Jesuit missionaries played a significant role in the development of music education in China. I also will provide a detailed account of my own observations from interviewing musicians, professors, and students about their views on western classical music and pedagogy. I will be combining these two elements to tell a story of how western classical music became Chinese.