Abstract: Inheriting the natural human nature theory of “Guo Dian Chu Jian”, Xunzi hoped to use the rites and music to educate the people to realize the “transformation of nature and false”, change the natural human nature state of “original material simple”, and move towards the “beauty of nature”. Xunzi inherited Confucius's idea of “ritual” , and emphasized that the system of ritual and music should be used to regulate and shape people's feelings and behaviors in detail to achieve the Confucian ideal of governing the country by ritual and music. Xunzi elaborated on the close relationship between music education and the character education of the subject in more detail. Finally, out of a deep understanding of the value of music education, Xunzi also focused on criticizing the “non-music” trend of thought represented by Mozi, and resolutely defended the Confucian ideal of rites and music education with practical actions. Xunzi's idea of music education had a great influence on the Book of Rites and Records of Music, and was the precursor of Confucianism's music education thought towards systematization and maturity.

Key words: Xun Zi, confucianism, cnfucian music education, confucian music theory, cusic education