## 3 Method  
### Data Collection  
Data collection is a critical step in constructing a high-quality dataset of Manchu music. To ensure the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the dataset, data sources include historical documents and archives, audio recordings, video materials, and field research. Historical documents and archives are mainly sourced from libraries, archival institutions, and museums, encompassing ancient musical scores, historical records of Manchu music, and archives related to royal court music. Audio recordings are obtained from music academies, cultural research institutions, and Manchu communities, and include high-quality recordings of traditional Manchu instrumental performances, folk songs, and music associated with rituals and celebrations. Video materials are primarily sourced from Manchu cultural festivals, musical performances, and educational videos, covering aspects such as Manchu music performances, the integration of dance and music, and traditional music teaching methods. Field research involves visiting Manchu settlements and cultural heritage sites to collect on-site recordings and videos, oral histories, and performances and explanations from folk artists and heritage bearers. The data collection framework is shown in Figure 4.  
The data collection process includes preliminary planning, information gathering, data organization, metadata annotation, and data review. In the preliminary planning phase, the objectives and scope of the dataset are defined; the types, quantities, and quality standards of music to be collected are determined; and collaborative relationships are established with music academies, cultural research institutions, and Manchu communities to secure support and resources. During the information gathering stage, relevant literature and archives are systematically reviewed in libraries and archival institutions, digitized, and preserved in electronic formats; high-quality audio and video materials are collected through partnerships and field research using professional recording and filming equipment to ensure data quality. In the data organization phase, the collected data are categorized according to music type, performance form, instrument type, and other classifications, and all audio and video materials are digitized and stored in a uniform format for subsequent processing and analysis. The metadata annotation phase involves adding detailed metadata for each data entry, including performer information, types of instruments, performance techniques, music genres, and cultural contexts, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the data annotation. Finally, the data review phase entails a comprehensive quality check on the organized and annotated data to ensure its completeness and accuracy, inviting experts from musicology, ethnology, and related fields to review the data to confirm its academic value and cultural authenticity. Various advanced tools and technologies are employed during the data collection process, including high-fidelity recording equipment, high-definition video cameras, multi-angle shooting techniques, and professional data management software and metadata annotation tools, ensuring high quality and efficient management of the data. However, data collection also faces several challenges, including difficulties in data acquisition, issues with audio and video quality, the large workload associated with data annotation, and concerns regarding copyright and ethics. To address these challenges, the research team has strengthened collaborations with relevant institutions, utilized digital platforms and online resources to broadly collect and integrate data, employed advanced recording and filming equipment, and performed professional audio and video processing in post-production.