Abstract
School Education in China has made a remarkable progress during the decade from the 1980's to the 1990's e.g., a compulsory education system, the established examining committee for teaching materials in elementary schools and junior high schools, and the published authorized textbooks. In 1986, Biiku (Aesthetic Education) was recognized as an important subject in Chinese education. Art (including Music) education has been placed great importance on in education. This paper discusses present music education in China paying special attention to music education from the 1980's to the present and analyzing music textbooks of elementary schools. Our research materials are the articles and music textbooks published in China and "Kyogaku-Taiko" equivalent to "Course of Study" in Japan. Generally speaking, Chinese are trying to realize music learning comprehensively, based on the surroundings closest to them, such as racial elements or physical exercises, though they make great account of aesthetic education supported by the traditional socialism in China.
