Modern professional Chinese music includes Small-scale Instrumental Music & Chamber Music, Vocal Music, Symphonic Music, Choral Music, National Orchestral Music, Opera and Dance Drama Music.

With modernization and rapid social change, Chinese traditional music faced a challenge from western culture. Many musicians studied western music and experimented with western traditions.

Before the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, new songs and music works were created in modern style. The most famous were "The Yellow River Cantata," a chorus composed by renowned musician Xian Xinhai.

"The March of the Volunteers," the country's national anthem adopted in 1949 by another noted musician, Nie Er, to the next written by modern Chinese playwright, Tian Han.

After the liberation from Japan following WW II, Chinese professional music developed very fast except during a period of the Culture Revolution. Many symphonic orchestras and Chinese-style instrumental ensembles exist, and large choral groups are commonly found in large cities, universities, and factories.

Chinese and Western instruments are manufactured in large quantities and are used in government-maintained schools and conservatories throughout the country.At present, Chinese people have the ability to appreciate various styles of music.