Tibetan plateau’s altitude, short growth season, and cold weather gradually form unique life style of Tibetans. It influences the development of Tibetan Music, especially Buddhism, which has exerted a strong influence on Tibetan Music since its introduction in the 7th Century.
It often involves chanting in Tibetan language or Sanskrit. Monks use Tibetan music to recite various sacred texts and celebrate various festivals. The most specialized form of chanting is called “Yang,” which is without timing and is dominated by resonant drums sustained, low syllables. Other forms of chanting are unique to Tantra as well as four main monastic schools as follows: Gelukpa, Kamar Kagyupa, Nyingmapa and Sakyapa. Among those sects of Tibetan Buddhism, Gelug pa is the most popular nowadays and is considered a more restrained, classical form. Nyingma pa is widely described as romantic and dramatic on other aspect.
Due to the exclusion of the newspaper and other news media in Tibet in the ancient time, Tibetan “street song” was a traditional form of expression as a means of commentaries including political, this type of “Street Song” in Tibetan called “Lu” music that is a cappella music singing without instrumentals. It has a distinctive high pitch with glottal vibrations and being used by Folk wandering poets. They provided political and social commentary and satire, as well as a rare epic bards who sings the tales of Gesar King, Tibet’s most popular hero
