The instruments should be played with correct technique as a model for proper behavior. So to establish peace and initiate proper conduct, it was important that the music be generally simple, induce tranquility, and facilitate the appropriate conduct in the ceremonial context. Music was ultimately a means for optimizing social utility or happiness. So music wasn’t really entertainment, but a means for musicians to accomplish political and social goals. In a culture where people function according to ritual and ceremony, music is used to help conduct and govern them. Music was so important because the ideal society was to be governed by rites, ritual and ceremonial functions, but not by law or raw power. He ranked music higher than the other four necessary subjects (archery, chariot-riding, calligraphy or writing, and computation or mathematics).

It is said that he thought of the six most important subjects to study, studying music was second in importance only to the study of ritual or public ceremonies. Musical knowledge was a matter of higher learning. “To educate somebody, you should start with poems, emphasize ceremonies, and finish with music.” The teachings are seminal for understanding traditional music. How music was meant to be used and performed is expressed in several of the main Confucian books (Analects 论语 Lún Yǔ), The Classic of Poetry 诗经 Shī Jīng, and The Classic of Rites 礼记 Lǐjì). But during the time of the Zhou Dynasty about 500 BC and afterwards, music had the crucial role of an important pillar of society. Perhaps for other people around the world, music was meant mainly for amusement and entertainment. In Confucian teachings, the purpose and role of music are laid out and the qualities of 'good music' are defined. He also was China's foremost social philosopher.

He is thought that he was a prominent music teacher and a talented musician who was able to play several instruments expertly. He is credited for setting the tone for much traditional Chinese music for thousands of years. Confucius, China's foremost philosopher of musicĬonfucius is said to have lived about 2,500 or so years ago.

What does articulate mean in music