The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between music teaching and students’ overall music competency of the current music graded examinations in the greater China regions. This study examines not only students’ motivation and purposes for learning music but also music teachers’ overall teaching strategies, teaching content and lesson plans. Results indicated that inefficient teaching methods, inadequate educational content, and benefit-oriented teaching strategies were prevalent in most of the private music studios in the regions.

The significance of the research is that the results provide information that regional policymakers can use. The researcher believes that passing the graded exam should not be the only goal of music learning and teaching in these regions. It is necessary to expand teachers’ teaching content and encourages them to include basic musicianship and other music-related knowledge in their music lessons. Finally, music teachers’ teaching content strategies, and assessments need to genuinely reflect reality and necessity.