Interest in learning gamelan among boarding school students in Johor / Mohd Dzurri Bachok

Traditional music is one of educational aspect that can provide benefits if it is studied and undergone formal or methodically. Therefore, traditional Malay music becomes one of the main aspects as the key for music education in Malaysian schools. In reality, there is no chance for student nowadays to learn traditional music formally unless it is introduced in education institutions in Malaysia. This research will focus only on one traditional music element which is the gamelan. Factors, main purpose, perceptions and the problems that arised when playing the gamelan is investigated. Sample of 60 students from 2 boarding schools in Johor including form 1, 2 and 3. Data was collected by questionnaire and take 30 minutes. Results indicated that most of the samples are interest to learn the gamelan with factors, main purpose and perceptions. At the same time, a bit of students didn't interest to learn it with the reason and problem. However, these researches were found that study and learning the gamelan is focuses on any aspects like teacher, friends, parents, self, schools, appreciation and the gamelan instruments. Playing gamelan is very enjoyable and release stress; fulfill the free times and as a leisure activity. These researches also determine that the recreation, emotion, future, self and talent as a main purpose to learn the gamelan. Overall, most of the students are really enjoy and happy while learning the gamelan although music is an elective subjects in schools.