Chinese and Western Aesthetic Realization in Traditional Chinese Instrumental Performance: Perspectives of Scholars and Students

Chinese and Western music aesthetics arise from two different cultural backgrounds. While previous research has explored the evolution and interaction of Chinese and Western aesthetics, their specific impact on Traditional Chinese Instrumental Performance (TCIP) has been overlooked. This study investigates the intersection of Chinese and Western music aesthetics in TCIP, focusing on the perspectives of music scholars and students. To address this gap, the study employed narrative inquiry with music scholars (n=4) and semi-structured interviews with music major students (n=8). It explores how Confucianism and Taoism aesthetics, alongside Western concepts of autonomy and heteronomy, influence music scholars’ and students’ perspectives and practices in TCIP. The findings reveal that these aesthetic principles shape musicians’ artistic choices and interpretations. This research highlights the importance of integrating aesthetic thoughts into TCIP, offering insights for fostering Chinese and Western aesthetic appreciation and understanding of TCIP. These explorations extend to enhancing educational practices and promoting a more comprehensive interpretation of music aesthetics in both scholarly and performance contexts.