Confucius’s musical thoughts are as follows:

1. Educational function: Confucius believed that music plays an important role in education. He believes that music can help cultivate people's virtue and morality, reconcile emotions, cultivate sentiments, and improve individual cultivation and quality.

2. Etiquette norms: Confucius believed that music should comply with etiquette norms. He emphasized that music should be expressed in a solemn and dignified manner and avoid overly unrestrained or indulgent musical styles. He pursues the neatness, harmony and elegance of music.

3. Harmony and order: Confucius paid attention to the rhythm and temperament of music. He believed that music should have a clear beat and reasonable pitch to maintain a harmonious overall effect. He pursues order and unity in music.

4. Auditory cultivation: Confucius emphasized the cultivation of good auditory cultivation. He believes that by appreciating elegant music, people can improve their aesthetic level and emotional cultivation, thereby becoming more perfect people.

5. Music and social harmony: Confucius believed that music is an important part of social harmony. He advocated that music should conform to etiquette, be able to promote a harmonious and harmonious atmosphere in society, and have the role of education and influence.

The impact of Confucius’ musical thoughts on later generations

1. Social etiquette: Confucius regarded music as part of social etiquette. He believed that music should conform to etiquette norms and can promote social harmony. This concept influenced the music creation and performance of later generations, prompting people to closely integrate music with rituals and celebrations.

2. Music education: Confucius emphasized the importance of music in education. He believes that music can help cultivate sentiment, morality and character. This concept prompted later generations of educators to make music an important part of school curriculum and to include music in the scope of moral education.

3. Musical aesthetics: Confucius pursued the neatness, harmony and elegance of music, and had high requirements for rhythm and temperament. This concept influenced the musical aesthetic concepts and creative styles of later generations, prompting people to pursue harmonious musical expression and beautiful musical forms.

4. Musical cultural inheritance: Confucius’ emphasis on and admiration for music has enabled his musical thoughts to be widely inherited and developed. Later generations of music theorists, educators and musicians were inspired by Confucius' musical thoughts, inherited, developed and integrated them into their own creations and educational practices.