Music in Malaysia: Issues, Challenges, and the Implementation of Soundscapes into the Built Environment

Abstract

In Malaysia, music has a major significance within the country with its diverse cultural diversity. However, the perception of music often faces challenges due to the declining music education within schools and the lack of easy access to venues for performances or learning, hindering the growth of the artistic talents in Malaysians and stifling the appreciation of music in their lives. This research attempted to discover the potential, the issues and challenges of music education in the country and the opportunity to implement musical elements into the built environment and soundscapes into urban spaces, creating environments where melody and nature to converge while slowly integrating the positivity in music and dispelling the negative perception to the subject. The research was carried out through documentation, surveys, and participant observation. Findings revealed that while not many people had any form of music education, there is an overwhelming want and need for music. The participants generally reported that they would prefer having outdoor venues like parks or amphitheaters to enjoy music. These results contribute to the inclusion of soundscapes into Malaysian urban environments and how they improve the well-being of its users while encouraging the need for music.