Musical Notation in Thailand (The Siam Society)
(picture from article)
The article “Musical Notation in Thailand” by Pamela Myers-Moro provides a comprehensive survey of the history and forms of written musical notation used in the Thai classical tradition. It examines how notation has evolved over time, from an oral tradition to being written down, highlighting its role in teaching, preserving, and adapting Thai music. The article explores how Western influences and indigenous systems have shaped the use of notation in Thailand, emphasizing how it intersects with cultural changes, the oral tradition, and the teacher-student relationship in Thai music education.
Thai culture is alive and evolving, skillfully adapting external influences and blending them into something uniquely its own. Even as it embraces new elements, Thai culture maintains its essential features, such as the deeply rooted teacher-student relationship found in the case of Thai music education. This ability to embrace and creatively transform different cultural influences while staying true to its core is what makes Thai culture so captivating and charming. The Thailand Foundation invites you to explore this fascinating journey of adaptation and innovation through the lens of Thai musical notation.
Author: Pamela Myers-Moro
* This article was published in the Journal of Siam Society and is being shared on the Thailand Foundation Website with permission from The Siam Society.
