Comparative Analysis of the Similarities and Differences between Western Music and Oriental Music Education Methods

Abstract: Music education stands as a powerful cultural mirror, revealing not only how societies transmit artistic knowledge, but how they understand learning, tradition, and the self. This paper offers a comparative study of Western and Oriental music education practices, exploring their philosophical underpinnings, pedagogical methods, and institutional frameworks. Drawing from scholarly literature, case studies, and symbolic modeling, the study investigates how historical and cultural contexts shape the way music is taught and learned across these two broad traditions. Western systems tend to emphasize structured curricula, written notation, and performance evaluation, while Oriental traditions often favor oral transmission, spiritual mentorship, and intuitive learning. Despite their differences, both systems share an overarching goal: to cultivate musical fluency and personal expression. By tracing their convergences and divergences, this study seeks to inform more inclusive, intercultural approaches to music education in an increasingly globalized academic landscape.