The main theme of the paper is to critically assess the notion that good music has significant importance in improving character of both listeners and the performers. Music, which is a piece of art is judged good or bad according to whether it cultivates appropriate virtues.The assumption that music has significant impact in moral of listeners and performers is well-supported by evidence and ancients’ arguments from great philosophers. In fact, the arguments of the ancients are well reinforced by modern science. However, there are strong arguments that support the fact that music has significant impartation in the character of listeners and performers, and contrary arguments that oppose this assumption.
Music in both ancient Greece and Chinese had several interesting parallels. At the center of their art was the social value it offered to the society.In the ancient Chinese, beauty, elegance, and harmony were considered to be critical qualities of good music, but these qualities were at the same time considered moral qualities; indeed, for Confucians, harmony was one of the central moral concepts. Music was considered a significant art that was used for different purposes and rituals. In the classical Chinese practice, ritual and music work in harmony to train the self to become more virtuous. Xunzi strongly believed that ritual and music had complementary roles. However, their essencein moral development was still instinctive in the relevant sense, because it worked through various activities and habit, not through the conscious education of moral principles and beliefs.
Through melody, lyrics, harmony, and rhythm in music, people are able to visualize and feel the message that brings a deep sense of impartation in their ways of life. That is why music is considered a character-forming force, and the decline of musical taste may lead to a decline in morals.