Final answer:
Amateur music in China tends to be more community-based and reflective of cultural diversity, while state-sponsored music during the Song Dynasty was aligned with court standards and used to strengthen the government's influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences between amateur and state-sponsored traditional music in China can be observed through the historical context and the function of music in society. During the Song Dynasty, the state invested in various societal aspects to create a better society, which included the expansion and support of traditional arts and music. This support allowed official court artists to thrive and contribute to the development of music that conformed to the court's standards. In contrast, amateur music, which was more organic and community-based, lacked such patronage and adhered less strictly to formal standards, often reflecting the diverse social and cultural expressions of the common people.
The availability of printed materials, such as Confucian texts, due to advancements in printing technology, enabled a wider range of individuals to study and participate in cultural activities, further distinguishing the approach and accessibility of state-sponsored music from its amateur counterpart. This era also celebrated individualists who pursued their unique artistic visions, often in contrast to state influence, providing yet another dimension to the traditional music scene. State-sponsored music during this time tended to reaffirm and perpetuate existing power structures, whereas amateur music was more reflective of the everyday experiences and emotions of the populace.