Factors Affecting the Attitude of Chinese Youth towards Classical Music - Research Paper Example

Objectives To find out how Chinese people perceives and values classical music. To find out if the classical music can positively impact the Chinese youngsters? To find out the factors that will cause an influence on Chinese youngsters towards classical music. Summary of the chapter Chapter 1: Introduction of the topic In this chapter the topic of classical music will be introduced giving an introduction related with the younger generation. The history of classical music will be observed and its quintessential nature will be brought into discussion. Chapter 2: Literature review In this chapter the review of the literature will be given on classical music and what various authors have given their opinions on classical music. The people famous in this field of classical music will be discussed and what motivated them to pursue their learning in this form of music will be given consideration. Chapter 3: Research Methodology In this chapter the research methodology will be discussed as to which methods will be used for gathering the data. The plausible methods of research and the appropriate methods of research will be categorized accordingly. Chapter 4: Research Findings The results gathered from the data will be included in this chapter and integrated together for further discussion. The results will be further analyzed and conclusive results will be sorted out and debatable results will be kept further open for discussion and productive hypothetical solutions and opinions. Chapter 5: Discussion In this chapter all the findings gathered will be discussed and will assist to reach to the conclusion related to the objectives of the project. The concrete justifications will remain viable, whereas the cynical observations will be either discarded or brought to a satisfactory level justification. Chapter 6: Conclusion The final conclusion will be discussed in this section in alignment with all the matter discussed previously in the project. Conclusive remarks will be both satisfactory and just. What are the factors that affect the attitude of Chinese young people towards classical music?   Introduction Nowadays, in China, classical music may seem to have little impact on Chinese youth. It would appear that the Chinese younger generation has not explored the genre of classical music.  Plausible reasons could be because of the much hyped and upbeat music rhythms that define today are pumped up lifestyle. In retrospect, classical music is kept more at the back end because of its unappealing look and feel, thus ignoring its positive impacts on health. The purpose of this study is to find out factors which affect the attitude of Chinese youngsters and how they perceive the classical music phenomenon to be today. There is a need to discuss the opinions of Chinese young people on the subject .Through this research, the majority of Chinese young people will benefit from it. To listen to classical music not only enhance young people's character and mental levels but also stable emotional and relax.(Juslin, 20, 2001) Personal preferences and liking have a strong link to the field of consumer behavior. Personal choices of the consumer depend on the background they come from and the life style they lead. (Johson, 172, 2002). With the way the generation is changing with time, we can observe around us that the demographics are also constantly changing for all age groups. There was a time that classical music attracted a lot of young people, but with time there is a gradual shift from this and now the younger generation is getting attracted towards hard rock music and other different types of music. The project will help to find out the factors that will cause the younger generation to get attracted towards music again. Consumer behavior tends to change due to various factors that cause an influence on their decisions. This project will be an investigation towards finding out the factors for influencing the younger generation towards classical music again, the research would be accomplished by collecting data from Robinson Library and looking up some Network information and literature, magazines. Background Music is enjoyed by almost all parts of the population. Each segment has their own tastes of music, they may vary from soulful to rock, pop and even classical music. Now with the mass media and the Internet, makes music appreciation and consumption of any age more quickly, effectively and comprehensively. In the last few years, in China large and small concerts are also more and more appear on the TV screen. Charts, concert, concert, and more music-related terms for most students, and Stefanie Sun, Jay Chou, and other singers and groups those are all too familiar with music, very few people like classical music less. The section liking classical music is reducing and especially in the Chinese younger generation. Data available of the entire mass of the Chinese orchestra depicts that the information is less concrete considering any aspect related to its audience. The symphony orchestra has diversified instruments; with time the composers have to work with complex things and their works written are more intricate that are suitable to the artistic needs required (Melvin, 121, 2004).Traditional music has become obsolete in today’s lifestyle, and the essence of music is focused more towards the bodily rhythmic movements and the catchy notes that provides, rather than the main influence and quintessence of the form of classical music. The need for classical music has been eradicated and the thirst for pop music is both commanding and influential. Classical music is considered as the most primitive form of music. Sadly, the most Chinese youth today gives no importance and holds no desires to learn classical music. In many cultures the study of classical music was a must but youth nowadays are losing interest in learning this genre of music. Literature review Classical music, which had been previously considered as the largest achievement of epoch, was gradually replaced by pop, rock, folk music in the modern society. At present return to classical music is very important, because it will promote revival of traditional cultural values and help contemporaries to understand culture and world outlook of the past generations. This topic is differently appreciated by artists and musicologists. Sheila Melvin and Jindong Cai in “Phapsody in Red” discover development of Western classical music in China of twentieth century. This historical period was difficult for national culture, as there were many coup d'etat, rebellions, national liberation movements and communist revolution. The authors demonstrate positive impact of Western classical music within instable socio-political context. Shanghai National Orchestra became the first large center of classical music, as Shanghai was an administrative center of British Empire in China. This example proves that western instruments and musical preferences can easily merge with Chinese classical music and theatre. Success of pianist Mario Pad and Chinese musician Tan Shuzen showed that the above music had a large target audience in 1910 – 1930th in China. Thus, it became an integral part of Chinese culture, education and music, as China was under continuous influence of Europe countries. In the book “Flying Dragons, Flowing Streams” Ronald Riddle draws a parallel with integration of Western music in life of Chinese Americans. Chinatown became the place of mixture of two different cultures and a gradual assimilation started. Western popular and classical music had been coexisting with Chinese classics in 1930th – 1950th. “In the late 1970s both Western classical music and arrangements of Chinese melodies were rehearsed and performed by the Chinese American Youth Orchestra, conducted by Timothy Chan and sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Foundation.” (Riddle 1983, p. 208). The orchestra consisted of young Chinese Americans and successfully performed throughout the USA. Thus, Chinese Americans incline to Western pop and classical music, but try to remain their national culture in the new motherland. Melvin and Cai regard the period of the Hundred Flowers Movement (1957) and the Cultural Revolution as decadence of Western classical music in China. Impact of foreign music was pernicious for Chinese youth, that’s why all educational institutions, orchestras and schools related to Western classical music were destroyed and forbidden. Harrison (1963) states that plenty of classical pieces of music are related to Christianity, church service and religious rites. “The ritual of Christian worship and the architecture that housed it provided both a framework for the arts and an aural and visual representation of Christian history and belief.” (Harrison & Hood X, p. 10, 1963) Thus, there was a strong reason for Mao Tse-tung’s regime to forbid it. Interest of the youth towards the best music was artificially suppressed. On the contrary from previous authors, Juslin and Sloboda (2001) discover perception of music on emotional and intuitive level. Western classical music attracts the Chinese due to a stable system of values. Integration of the above music into Chinese conservative culture reminds an exchange of values. It brings novelty in Chinese life style and promotes broadening cultural outlook. Can Classical Music Have a Positive Impact on Chinese Youth During the twentieth century Western classical music integrated into Chinese culture and to some extent affected music tastes of modern society. The Chinese have always been having a gust of national classical music, that’s why foreign musical style also attracted their attention. Chinese Empire had been restricted from European countries for centuries; thus, its cultural and musical traditions were out of their impact. Due to the beginning of British colonization long-term settlements of English-speaking people were established in seaports such as Shanghai. As the result, a mixed socio-cultural context was created. Present-day Chinese youth’s perception of the music is shaped by different factors such as conservative national music, consequences of the Cultural Revolution, spreading of foreign and national pop/folk/rock music. “Sales for a top-selling classical recording in the West now number merely in the thousands instead of in the tens of thousands, as they did 25 years ago.” (Kahn & Wakin, 312, 2007) Comparing to pop music, classical music is not commercially attractive, because it requires a musically trained and aesthetic audience. Listeners should get both emotional and aesthetic delight during the listening. Target audience of pop songs usually does not perceive popular culture products seriously. “The paradox of music in a commercial context is that, for all the appearance of difference, musics that derive from quite different lose their distinctiveness because they are assumed to serve the same functions as others.” (Johnson, 29, 2002). Interest of European and American young people in classical music also decreases owing to large-scale influence of pop culture and mass media. Simplicity of words and sense, unobtrusive motives, musical sub-cultures and pop idols are typical features of modern Western culture. Thompson and Shellenberg (2006, pp. 72 - 74) consider that music perception is outside socio-cultural field. According to the results of their research neuroimaging techniques, inborn response to musical stimuli of various age groups and aesthetic judgments also form national perception of music. Special attention is paid to stimuli for musically trained and untrained target audience. Chinese nation perceives Western classical music differently, as their emotional perception is deeper than for European young generation. Level of musical education among American students is traditionally much lower than among the Chinese. Playing a national musical instrument still remains an integral part of Chinese educational system. Besides, the Communist Party stepped aside from its previous propaganda and strives to support development of national and Western classical music within the same cultural context. For instance, in 2004 conductor Xiaoying Zheng and opera singer Xiao Xiangyu as a part of World HR Laboratory started promoting of Western classical music. “Zheng initiated and formed a Women Philharmonic Orchestra to perform in schools and factories in order to popularize classical music.” (Song, 3, 2006) Chinese classical theatre, national opera, poetry and songs are full of symbols, dual sense and hidden context. Thus, the classical music is estimated through the prism of national cultural system. There are many musical schools and conservatories. The observers noted an increased interest of common citizens to Western classical music, watching out visitors of musical shops, children and adults with musical instruments such as violin, flute or accordion. The literature dedicated to classical musicians and their printed music also are buying up. Comparing to pop music, classical music has a wholesome effect on intellectual and spiritual development of Chinese young people. On the assumption of Juslin and Sloboda’s theory (2001) musically trained youth has a delicate taste, creativity and aspiration to innovations, non-standard decisions. Such interest proves that the Chinese do not attempt to isolate from the Western world and culture. The Chinese have always been connoisseurs of art; thus, the above interest is a large step towards general socio-cultural compromise. Therefore official government supports inclination for Western classical music along with Chinese classical one. Local administrations promote charitable concerts of classical music. There are numerous competitions of pianists, violinists, and broadcasts of concerts, operas or pieces of music followed by Western classics. Internet also favors spreading of the classical music on YouTube, musical charts, music-clubs, virtual shops and cafes. “Chinese with the means and the space will sometimes buy a piano and arrange for lessons for their children. Many Chinese children now study the violin and other Western orchestral instruments as well.” (Riddle 1983, p. 212) Within the last years interest of Chinese youth towards Western classical music grows due to melodies embedded in phones memory. Chinese audience perceives and values this music for cultural novelty, seriousness and high degree of perfection. An unbelievable success of violinist Vanes May proves such music can easily gain an international audience of many millions. Her music and playing manner went through all cultural and language barriers and were understandable for Chinese, American, German or Spanish listeners. Classical music contains the most precious achievements of every nation and is tightly connected with national history. For example, Mozart or Wagner often dedicated their musical works to particular historical, heroic events or personalities. Western classical music also depicts tendencies of definite epoch. For example, melodies of Brahms do not yield to pop or rock music as to tempo and context. Consequently, in spite of general tendencies, interest of Chinese young people to Western classical music recovers. The people look for new cultural values and attempt to broaden their musical tastes outside national context. This is the first step towards understanding of the European culture and musical traditions. Due to technical and scientific progress modern music develops through borrowing foreign cultural tendencies. Research Methodology Understanding the cultural significance and value of classical music in China can best be done through various observations that have been made in regards to this region. To understand the current status of classical music and its effects on youth in China, there will be different areas of research and other literature that have studied the same topic which will be studied. This will be furthered by an understanding of the educational research and development that is currently in China. Factoring in these two components will build a deeper understanding of how important classical music is to the youth of China, as well as how it is influencing their understanding of music. The second portion of the research will be based on observation from various social portals and areas that will define the importance of classical music among youth. Defining the trends, responses and knowledge about classical music will help to determine how influential classical music is among those in China. More importantly, it will build a deeper understanding about the importance that it holds among youth, as opposed to the rock, pop and folk that is also a part of the music in China. By observing various places online that have discussions about music, there will be a better understanding of how classical music is affecting those that are in China. Research Findings When looking at the educational programs in China, it can be seen that there are certain values associated with classical music beginning from an earlier age. The current generation in China, specifically among the urban areas, is known as the Dakou Generation. Dakou is also known as Western music and is represented in China by the youth. The Western music includes rock, folk and popular culture as well as classical music. The most important element that is expressed by the Dakou culture is based on the ability to have a diverse set of sounds and a deeper understanding of both Western and Eastern music. More importantly, the culture is defined by creating a globalized approach to music, fashion and other statements. According to researchers (De Kloet, 7, 2005), the Dakou expressions include mostly rock and Western music. However, of those surveyed, most were familiar with the common classical music and found it as valuable as other forms of music because of their understanding of the cultural expression (De Kloet, 7, 2005). The values that are seen in the Dakou generation are not only providing new opportunities for classical music in China. More importantly, those that are in China are interested in the Cultural Revolution that is able to provide a global vision of music and other forms of expression. The revolution has moved into educational programs and schools to create specific values and identity that is among children. The current communist government in China is now endorsing ideologies that are known to transform the educational system. The main philosophy behind this is to incorporate several areas of musical knowledge, all which relate to the sociopolitical realm. The contemporary values and musical styles is leading to reinforcement among classical music, as well as several who are interested in the values of the music as a part of their educational system (Chung – Ho, 312, 2004). The secondary education that is promoting Western music is one of the ways that the influences are beginning to affect those in China. More importantly, is the movement that is going into the campuses and which is being seen as a main trend among youth and young adults. It has been found by researchers (Melvin, 22, 2006), that youth in China are demanding for the older systems to change and for more global opportunities to be made available within their colleges. Economic development, moving into a global nation and cosmopolitan influences are all affecting those that are a part of the colleges and the growth that is occurring. When examining the micro level of several of these colleges, it was found that the youth are requesting and demanding for Western music, including classical influences, to be placed into the schools as a part of the educational learning. The appreciation for global perspectives on classical music is one that is building as a main trend and which is continuing to be placed into demand by youth. The reforms that are occurring on other cultural levels are also known to carry a significant impact of those that are interested in classical music, especially among youth (Melvin, 24, 2006). The educational goals, changes in revolution from politics and economy and the movement toward globalization can further be assessed from the attitudes of youth in society. In examining several social networks, it could be seen that the youth also affect each other in their roles toward music. A popular Chinese network, 360quan.com, is one of the areas of assessment that show this particular trend. When looking at this portal, it could be seen that the youth are interested in experimentation, new music and trends that are based on a global level. The remarks and different areas of interest were all linked to keeping an open avenue toward the different styles of music available. Youth subcultures in the current Chinese areas are based on acceptance of almost every genre, with trends based around creating hobbies from different forms of music (360quan.com, 2010). The embrace of subcultures with the youth has led to specific networks and trends that are available at a global level for the youth. When looking at the embrace of classical music for youth, it can be seen that many of it has been directed from the easy access to Western cultures as well as the reformation that is occurring. In current market studies that show influences over the youth, is recognition that media, the Internet and other social influences are creating a different approach to Western music. Areas such as Classico.net are growing in popularity with discussions on classical music and new trends that are occurring. According to current market studies, the Internet, mobile ring tones, cafes and sub-cultures are adding into the understanding of classical music as well as the popularity that it holds within the Chinese culture (Label Networks, 217, 2010). Discussion From the various trends in China, it can be seen that a different approach to culture and social influences are taking place. When looking at the research done on the culture, there are specific components in the environment that are changing the understanding of classical music on youth in China. The influences are coming from various parts of the environment, such as social, political and cultural influences. Each of these is compounded into several concepts that relate to the idea of Western music, as well as the acceptance that it has in the culture. The first level of acceptance that is occurring from the youth in China is based on the political and educational changes in society. The educational system is creating an acceptance of Western classical music through the basic studies that are allowed in the schools. This is followed by the political changes, specifically through the Cultural Revolution that is allowing China to open to the Western cultures. The push that is occurring in politics is moving directly into educational requirements and openness to get the culture to understand the movement toward globalization. The globalized economy that is combined with the political agendas is also moving toward specific levels of acceptance that is associated with the culture and the acceptance of classical music. The second level of influence that is a part of the movement in China is from the socialization and culture that is changing. The youth are growing into specific areas of acceptance of Western lifestyles, specifically from the cosmopolitan and globalized influences that are taking place. Sub – cultures and youth movements that are in society are currently open to the changes that are occurring and are allowing youth to become more influential with the classical genre of music. Different networks, social connections, mobile devices and open talk about classical music is beginning to change the culture and the social aspects of youth and are providing them with a growing interest in classical music as a part of the culture. Conclusion The different components that are related to Western Classical music in China are beginning to influence the youth and younger generations. Studies in education, political changes and social movements through sub – cultures are all directly influencing the way that youth understand and look at classical music. The first part to this is the political alterations that are moving into the educational system, such as through the demands of learning about different aspects of society. This is continued with different educational changes that are based on understanding globalization and diversifying the educational needs of students. The Cultural Revolution is also playing a part in this, specifically with the youth movements that are interested in listening t Western music as a main form of expression. The cultural and social aspects are also leading into youth movements and sub – cultures that are directly influenced by the youth movement and the way that each individual responds to the culture of the time. The changes and revolutions that are occurring within this society are all proponents of the influences that are coming from a global perspective of music. Through this, the youth and younger generations are able to look at classical music, Western influences and globalized culture as a part of their understanding of music. Bibliography 1. 360quan.com. Youth Subcultures. Retrieved from: http://www.360quan.com/. 2. Chung Ho, Wai, Wing – Wah Law. (2004). “Values, Music and Education in China.” Music Education Research (6), (2). 3. Colwell, R. (2006) MENC Handbook of Musical Cognition and Development. 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