An Analysis Of Music Education Thought In Music Theory Of Xunzi

Xunzi was the master of academic thought in the pre-Qin Period in our country.He inherited and developed the Confucian music thought represented by Confucius and Mencius.He was so inclusive that he absorbed the merits of various schools.Music Theory written by Xunzi is one of the important works in the aspect of music theory,which is regarded as a pioneer in the music theory and music education book.It holds an important position in the history of Chinese music.Xunzi’s music education thought is established on the basis of paying equal attention to rites and music.From his Theory of Evil,he demonstrates the importance of rites and music education,and emphasizes the formation of individual virtues by sparing no efforts to learn to cultivate good habits.Through the idea of "changing humanity by man-made",the rationality and necessity of rites and music education are discussed.It thinks that music can constrain and even eliminate the evil of human nature,shaping a person’s heart.Learning the rites to cultivate one’s morality is helpful to realize social justice and to achieve the goal of "the beauty of neutralization".Xunzi advocated to make people more noble,decent,polite and harmonious by the art form of music.Through the application of rites and music,it can amend the custom,properly run the country,and maintain stable social order.Today when science and technology increasingly develop,as well as Chinese and western cultures are blended,Xunzi’s music education thought gives profound enlightenment to the contemporary music education.