Final answer:
Professional music in China typically involves formal training and global influences, targeting a larger audience, whereas amateur music focuses on local traditions for smaller groups. The historical shift towards wider middle-class consumption and the availability of music through printing have democratized music knowledge, shaping both professional and amateur music.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences between professional and amateur music in China after Western influences are notable, especially in contemporary times. Firstly, professional music often entails rigorous training and adheres to sophisticated standards of composition and performance, drawing from global influences and sophisticated theories of music. This often includes an understanding of Western classical structures, forms, and harmonies. In contrast, amateur music, while it may be inspired by these elements, remains more rooted in local traditions and may not follow such formalities meticulously.
Another distinction comes from audience and commercialization. Professional music in China, similar to Western romantic traditions, frequently targets larger public audiences and is commercially distributed. On the other hand, amateur music is more likely to be created for local, smaller groups and may not be influenced by commercial interests to the same degree. This division is partly a result of the historical shift from aristocratic patronage to broader middle-class consumption and the democratization of music through technologies like printing, which made musical knowledge more accessible.
Lastly, the intent behind the music can differ. Professional music often seeks to innovate and can be global in its aspirations, sometimes blending Chinese traditions with Western styles. Amateur music, however, tends to maintain cultural continuity, emphasizing local identity and folk traditions. Both forms continue to evolve with time and technology, shaping the modern musical landscape of China.