Multiculturalism in the Malaysian Music Classroom: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

With the recognition of the diversity of ethnicity and cultures in Malaysia, there is concern among music educators to expand students’ understanding and appreciation of the many styles of music. The idea of encouraging a culturally diverse society is also evident in Malaysia. As a result, there is an emphasis on multicultural understanding in the school and university curricula, in which music from different cultures, styles, and periods has been included in the curriculum. Prior to 1957, Malaysia experienced over 400 years of European domination, the last of which was the British. Under the British rule, the Malaysian populace was systematically instructed with the idea that English ideas were preeminent. Likewise, non-English ideas regarding music education have been considered unsuitable. As a result, Malaysian traditional music and the music of other non-European cultures, have received little attention from educators and the general public. Since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has been involved in finding and establishing its own culture. The music programs in Malaysia take on a multicultural and intercultural approach in that the programs are based on the inclusion of representative musical styles of the various ethnic groups in Malaysia, such as the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other indigenous groups. The aim of a multicultural music curriculum in Malaysia is to maintain national integration in which all these various cultural communities could live alongside each other while maintaining their own original identities. This paper will examine multiculturalism in the Malaysian school music curriculum at both the primary and secondary school levels, the challenges and opportunities involved in having a multicultural music education.