Along with religion, food, celebrations, and dress, of course, music is a way that people around the world express themselves and their unique cultures.

Tibet has been described as “the sea of dance” or a “village of music.”  Always, music comes from, and reflects upon, the lives and spirits of the people.  You might even think of it as something like an emblem or an identification badge.  Tibet is no different: its music has its own life and spirit that tells us about the people.  Just as the region includes many varied climates, terrains, and lifestyles, the music is similarly diverse.  Folk music in Tibet takes many different forms.  A song sung by a herdsman taking care of his flock might be just an unbroken chain of hummed melodies.  On the high mountains we might hear the sound of a drum from afar. Why do you think a drum or flute might be better suited to high altitudes?   There are work songs, children’s songs and mountain and pastoral songs.  In the American culture there are many work songs.  Think about “The Erie Canal” or “Pick a Bale of Cotton.”  Like Americans, Tibetan people sing about the work that is peculiar to that climate and experiences. Drinking songs are very popular, expecially during fun celebrations like Losar (New Years) or weddings.  One person will accompany and all will join in.

Another form of music that we can think about is opera.  In Tibet it is called Lhamo. As the opera in China, It is a very ancient and exciting tradition with beautiful costumes and masks.The female singers are trained to sing very high with wavering notes.   Some people think that it began in the 8thh century when folk songs and dances  were adapted to tell the stories of Buddha.  Others think it began in the 14th century when a monk took folk songs and dances and added stories from Buddhist meditations to instill a love of doing good and a delight in giving. More information about Tibetan Opera is available at http://www.tibet.net/eng/tipa/lhamo. 
 Buddhist monks are famous for their throat singing, for their chanting, and for playing trumpets, drums and gongs.  These instruments are thought to be loud enough to chase evil spirits away. 

There are many instruments used in the religious rituals and celebrations.  If you would like to have the instruments identified and hear how they sound, click to:
 http://www.diamondway-buddhism.org/terms/music.htm. If you play an instrument, which Tibetan instrument is most like yours?
There is much more to be learned about Tibet and its music.  This site has just given you some ideas 
We’ve seen that Tibetan music is a reflection of Tibetan life.  In a larger sense music can be a reflection of any culture.  In learning about the music, we learn something of people themselves.  Everywhere people sing and dance.