Abstract:

The formation of a national music identity in multiracial Malaysia has led to inevitable complexities, conundrums, and contingencies. Past literature on Malaysian music education reveals issues of post-colonial influence, Western art music dominance, authenticity in traditional and folk music, a lack of teacher training and standardization in multicultural music education, and the inclusion of popular music. However, there is a lack of discussion to address the dilemma between monocultural, multicultural, and intercultural musical representation in the formation of a national music identity. Thus, we attempt to identify the pressing issues surrounding the teaching and learning of national music identity in multiracial Malaysia. Methods used in this study include autoethnography, semi-structured interview, and listening analysis. The outcome reveals a complex conundrum in addressing the learning content of a national music identity. Issues such as the country’s historical background, power hierarchies, interracial conflicts, racial segregation, generational differences and adaptability, have led to a dilemma between an interracial or mono-ethnic representation, that problematizes curriculum design in the teaching and learning of Malaysian national music identity.

Keywords:

National Music identity, Malaysia, multicultural, intercultural, popular music, traditional music, education.