The role of traditional Malay music for children with special needs

• Main Authors: Ahmad, Noorlila, Abd Rahman, Siti Fatimah
• Format: Proceeding Paper
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: BF Psychology; BF501 Motivation; BF712 Developmental psychology; M Music
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/108387/1/108387_The%20role%20of%20traditional%20Malay%20music.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/108387/

Introduction: The purpose of music therapy is to develop social, cognitive, physical, and emotional goals. As a result, children with disabilities must experience music, songs, and movements as part of the therapeutic process. Music improvisation in traditional music therapy with children with special needs greatly improves behavior, social interaction, and self-expression. This paper proposes a therapy that utilizes the unique methods of traditional Malay performance based on the dances and songs of 'Dikir Barat' and 'Kuda Kepang". First, this study will examine audience engagement and responses to students and children with special needs reactions to the performance. Next, to explore the effects of the contact of children with special needs and students through music, dance, and song in the traditional cultural musical activities of 'Dikir Barat' and 'Kuda Kepang' during the concert performance. Design/Approach: This study used a quantitative method supported by a questionnaire distributed to the audience consisting of parents and the local community. The data was a descriptive analysis of the percentage of respondents' knowledge and satisfaction with the overall performance of the Malaysian traditional concert. In addition, it aimed to obtain parents' responses about the encouragement and improvement of their children's lives after participating in arts activities, including dance, theatre, and musicals. In this study, the participation of children with special needs in the concert was also observed by singing and dancing in the traditional Malay performance. Results/Conclusion: This performance allows social interaction between normal students and children with special needs who can experience joy and enthusiasm in different cultures. Consequently, performances that specifically include the arts of music, singing, dance, and drama were found to have a significant positive impact and influence on special needs groups. The research contributes to the literature by showing how traditional music therapy can encourage children with special needs to improve their active engagement in their own lives and that of their community and create awareness.