Assimilating traditional musical instruments into contemporary musical composition.

Globalization has brought about changes in the music scene. Traditional music from all over the world is being incorporated into a contemporary music composition, creating new melodies that can be accepted and enjoyed by both the younger and older generations. 

The traditional music of Malaysia appears to be sidelined in favour of contemporary music which is more accessible and readily available to the younger generation. The lack of exposure to traditional music also breeds unfamiliarity of this music and hence is not appreciated or understood by most Malaysians. As music is an integral part of the human culture, it is important for this genre of music to be preserved for future generation.

Researchers from the faculty of music studied the Malay Gamelan, a traditional musical instrument which is one of the most important ensembles of traditional musical instruments in the Malay world and could be incorporated into the contemporary music creation due to the richness of the sound produced by this set of instruments. Secondary school students who are studying music are taught the Gamelan and this would encourage budding musicians to incorporate the Gamelan into their music composition.

Academics have conducted this study to identify and evaluate how music from the Gamelan can be assimilated into music compositions and performance practices. This new development of assimilating music produced by the Gamelan into contemporary music will create immense possibilities for the use of the Gamelan in the music industry. 

Findings from this study would provide guidelines for performance practices using the Gamelan, new techniques for playing and composing music with the Gamelan as well as guidelines for practitioners and teachers who may want to make Gamelan music more accessible to the public and in schools.