Musical Instruments Research Articles

Gender disparities in music education and music-making amongst the Swedish adult population

This article explores the extent of gender disparities in: (a) formal non-compulsory music education (FNCME), (b) instrument uptake, choice and continuation, and (c) music composition and production within the Swedish adult population. A nationally representative online survey of 1096 respondents aged 18–79 years old was conducted in 2023 and analysed using chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression. Data indicated that gender was the main factor impacting on all three aspects, intersecting significantly with age. This was even when accounting for highest level of educational attainment, employment type, personal income, region and whether respondents were born in Sweden.

Posthumanist Approach to the Cultural Heritage of Tuhu Chinese Musical Instruments

This study explores the preservation of the Tuhu, a traditional bowed string instrument of the Zhuang people in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, through a posthumanist perspective. The Tuhu represents the community's cultural identity and is vital to Zhuang opera and folk music. However, modernization and a decreasing number of skilled players pose significant threats to its transmission. Employing qualitative methods such as ethnographic fieldwork, in-depth interviews, and participant observation in Debao County and Jingxi City regions with rich Zhuang musical traditions, the research engaged five key informants, including local musicians, cultural practitioners, and educators. Thematic analysis revealed the instrumental agency of the Tuhu, environmental influences, and the role of digital technologies in cultural transmission. Findings indicate that preserving the Tuhu necessitates its integration into educational curricula, improved accessibility through digital platforms, and collaboration between cultural practitioners and academic institutions, fostering younger generations' engagement with traditional practices.

PSYCHOPHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH SPEECH DISORDERS IN THE CONTEXT OF MUSICAL-CREATIVE AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Abstract. The comprehensive and harmonious development of a child is linked to their morphological-functional, physical, somatic, mental, and other individual characteristics. Based on this, we considered it necessary, within the framework of a pedagogical experiment, to analyze how subjectively parents assess their children's speech development. Subsequently, for further analysis of the correctional process technology which effectively forms the basis of dance-cognitive education – thus being constantly perfected and practically applied – we deemed it essential to identify certain features of the musical-creative and physical development of children at the initial stage of their preschool education. Objective: to identify the psychophysical and speech characteristics of children’s development, define the specifics of their musical-creative and physical education, in order to develop a further strategy for conducting classes with elements of dance exercises that address speech correction. Subjects: 87 parents of children aged 4–6 years. To study the parameters of speech development and create a characterization of musical- creative and physical education for children, we used the questionnaire survey method. Analysis of the survey data revealed that, despite parents' evident interest in their child’s speech development, not all of them understand their role in the process of speech formation. It was also identified that at the early stages of development, children’s cognitive interests play a predominant role. The results of the survey allowed us to determine the main strategy for physical education for preschoolers with speech disorders, based on the technology we developed for correcting speech impairments through classes incorporating dance exercises. In this aspect, classes with dance elements can creatively fulfill this need, develop a sense of rhythm, strengthen the skeletal and muscular systems, and stimulate memory, attention, thinking, and imagination. This experience may further assist children in successfully mastering various artistic-creative and sports activities such as choreography, theatre arts, playing musical instruments, gymnastics, etc. Among other benefits, dance-corrective exercises involve the use of both short-term and long-term memory to memorize and reproduce dance figures. These exercises impact the activity of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, thereby developing motor centers. Constant changes in sequences and rhythms in dance stimulate brain neurons, enhancing the functional flexibility of neural processes. Further research – conduct an analysis of the results of assessing speech and psychophysical development, cognitive functions and dance abilities of preschool children at the initial stage of education.

Modelling bagpipes: Numerical simulation exercise for distributed parameter system

Abstract Bagpipes are an ancient folk musical instrument, used as far back as ancient Greece. To this day, they are part of folk music in many countries and cultures. This paper deals with the modelling of the reed and melodic pipe (chanter) for bagpipes, focusing on tuning of the instrument. We present a theoretical model in the Geogebra software, which allows for qualitative simulating and visualizing the interaction between the reed blade and the air column of the pipe.

Musician's Experience After Breast Cancer Treatment: Defining Musical Toxicity and its Frequency.

Over 50% of households in the United States have at least one musician-many musicians are also breast cancer survivors. This group has not been well studied, and given the level of fine sensory-motor skill required for musicianship, we hypothesized that musicians experience unique manifestations of breast cancer treatment toxicities. A nine-item Musical Toxicity Questionnaire (MTQ) was distributed to patients who had consented to participate in the Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Registry. The MTQ screened participants by asking if they played a musical instrument or sang in the last 10 years: questions populated for those who answered yes. Respondents were asked if they noticed difficulty with their musical endeavor during or after breast cancer treatment, defined as acute musical toxicity (AMT). The questionnaire asked which side effect and cancer-directed therapy most influenced musical ability, what musical attributes were affected, and the timeline of resolution. Multivariable and classification tree analyses assessed relationships between AMT and treatment characteristics. Of 1,871 survey respondents, 29% (535/1,871) self-identified as musicians. Over a quarter (27%, 144/535) reported AMT, and for 57% (82/144), AMT had not resolved at the time of survey. Of the treatments each participant received, chemotherapy was most often reported as most negatively impactful (63/89 who received chemotherapy, 71%). Decreased endurance was the most common musical difficulty (64% of those with AMT, 92/144), followed by decreased accuracy, trouble playing/singing quickly, and difficulty using proper technique. Multivariable and classification tree analyses revealed that receipt of chemotherapy was most strongly correlated with AMT. These results will help oncology care teams counsel musicians, answer questions about impacts on musicality, and provide a timeline for resolution of musical symptoms.

The Cultural Communication Based on the Philosophy Of Lampung, Indonesian Society in Traditional Wedding

Indonesia with its diverse tribes, cultures, religions is a society that must be able to appreciate the differences. The custom of marriage is one of the relationships with significant cultural communication. This research was conducted in the Lampung Province, one of Indonesia's provinces. The province of Lampung has two distinct traditions: pepadun and saibatin. The topic of this study is traditional Saibatin marriage. The aim of this study is to describe cultural communication based on Lampung philosophy in wedding traditions. The approach is based on the qualitative concept and involves focus group discusses and informant interviews. More sources are found in different media journals. The finding of cultural communication based on Lampung ethnic philosophy is seen from wedding rituals. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is present in wedding customs. Verbal communication uses Lampung language with Nyo and Api dialect. Symbols as nonverbal communication are : cakes, dodol (a typical food made from flour, brown sugar and coconut milk), nireh ugay tools or sirih pinang (set of tools for chewing betel), gold, jewelry, diamonds, jung syarat cloth. After the wedding, the bride is invited to the groom's house by riding a rato/palanquin and accompanied by balak percussion (a typical Lampung musical instrument).

Understanding State Policy and the Role of Bangladesh National Museum in Preserving Ethnic Culture in Bangladesh

This article aims to understand the state policies and the specific role played by the Bangladesh National Museum in preserving and safeguarding ethnic cultures in Bangladesh. Three specific objectives were pursued: the description of the provisions outlined in different laws, acts, and policies that are designed to safeguard ethnic cultures, the examination of the diverse ethnic objects’ collections stored in the museum; and the analysis of the role played by the museum in the collection, exhibition, and preservation of objects pertaining to ethnic groups. The anthropological understanding has been used to comprehend ethnic minorities, policy, and the role of the museum. In-depth interviews, KII, and policy document analysis have been used to collect data. The study argues that state policies mostly prioritize infrastructure development programmes, mainstreaming efforts, and the assimilation of ethnic communities rather than establishing specific and contextually appropriate strategies and actions for the preservation of ethnic traditions and customs. Similar to state policy, the museum has collected artefacts from 14 ethnic groups of the country. Most of the collected objects are from Tripura, Garo Chakma, and Santals groups, with six categories of cultural aspects, e.g., ornament, textile, musical instrument, arms, armour and metal. The museum’s identification of some artefacts belonging to ethnic groups is hindered by the improper collecting procedure. Only 2.7% of total artefacts are ethnic objects, which is insufficient to represent all ethnic cultures. The state policy lacks specificity for preserving ethnic cultures, leading to distorted practices by the museum in dealing with ethnic groups, compromising objectivity and universality in museum practices due to inherent politics in policy-making. Social Science Review, Vol. 41(1), June 2024, Page 215-236.

Психолого-педагогічні засади розвитку музично-творчого потенціалу студентів педагогічних коледжів

The article is devoted to the study of the psychological and pedagogical foundations for the development of students’ musical and creative potential in the pedagogical colleges. Considered the main components of creative potential, including musical abilities, creativity, emotional sensitivity and the ability to express oneself. Attention is drawn to the need to developing thinking artistically skills in the future teachers, interpreting musical works and performing them meaningfully, which are important in the formation of highly qualified teachers of musical art. In this context, the concept "musical-creative potential" is defined as a complex phenomenon that includes not only the technical skills of playing musical instruments, but also the ability to perceive musical works, imagine their imagery and, on this basis, create one's own performance concept. It is noted that this focus on professional activity requires a special approach to the teaching process for the development of various areas of students' musical and creative potential. In this context, the importance of psychological and pedagogical conditions for the successful formation of students' musical and creative potential in the process of professional training is revealed. The key methods and techniques that contribute to the discovery and development of the musical and creative potential of students in the teaching process of folk instruments playing are identified, in particular, such as interactive teaching methods, the use of modern technologies, and the creation of a creative atmosphere in classes. The importance of taking into account individual characteristics is emphasized, which helps to recognize the creative qualities of each student and promote their discovery in performing activities. The role of motivation and self-esteem in the development of creative potential, as well as the influence of the teacher as a facilitator of students in the direction of the development of their own musical abilities are separately considered.

Pipa Performance Analysis and Timbre Simulation Based on Artificial Intelligence

As a traditional Chinese musical instrument, pipa is famous for its unique timbre and complex and varied playing techniques. It is an important symbol of Chinese music culture. However, its complexity also makes its digital protection and research face many challenges. There are many kinds of playing techniques for pipa, such as finger rolling, plucking, bending, sweeping and overtones, each technique gives it a unique timbre change. In addition, the timbre of the pipa presents a variety of expressions due to the playing force, speed and the performer's skills, which puts higher demands on traditional music research and simulation technology.With the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology, especially breakthroughs in audio signal processing and deep learning, new solutions have been provided for the research of pipa art. By combining machine learning models and generative adversarial networks (GAN), significant progress can be made in technique analysis and timbre simulation. This study aims to use artificial intelligence technology to analyze the performance characteristics of the pipa and generate realistic timbre simulations, providing technical support for the digital protection and dissemination of traditional music.

Penerapan Pembelajaran Seni Berbasis Steam: Studi Kasus Pembelajaran Musik Di TK Kemala Bhayangkari 34 Kendal

This study aims to analyze the concept and practice of STEAM-based art education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) at TK Kemala Bhayangkari 34 Kendal. The main focus of this research is to explore how the concept of art education, specifically music, is implemented within the STEAM framework at this school, as well as to examine how the practice is carried out by the teachers. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach, utilizing observation, interviews, and document analysis. The findings reveal that the teachers at TK Kemala Bhayangkari 34 Kendal have a strong understanding of the STEAM concept and successfully integrate its elements into music education. The lessons include sound wave experiments, creating musical instruments from recycled materials, and the use of digital music applications to introduce technology. Despite challenges related to limited resources and varying student abilities, the STEAM-based learning practice at this school has successfully created an engaging learning experience that enhances creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. This study also shows that STEAM-based learning is highly relevant for early childhood education as it helps children connect various disciplines in a fun and practical way. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the STEAM approach be further implemented in early childhood education to support the holistic development of students.

Analysis of nonlinear behavior of viscoelastic damping in musical membranes using physics-informed self-organizing maps

This research offers a new analytical tool that unravels the nonlinear relation between the parameters of Viscoelastic Damping (VD) and the resulting frequency spectrum in musical membranes. Understanding how variations in VD parameters influence the resulting sounds is crucial for developing new tools for artistic expression and for designing musical instruments with distinct sound qualities. In the case of membranophones, the external damping is well understood, while the internal damping due to viscoelastic properties of materials remains unclear. In previous research, VD in musical membranes has been modeled using a Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) model. Nonetheless, analyzing the complex relationships between the large parameter space of the model and the nonlinear behavior of VD is a challenging task. This study addresses this analysis through physics-based machine learning. We employed a FDTD model of a viscoelastically damped membrane to create a physics-informed dataset, which we subsequently analyzed using Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs). Our findings reveal that the damping coefficient is the primary criterion when clustering the data. Furthermore, we found the internal structure of the cluster to depend on the rate of decay of the memory effect, i.e., the rate at which the energy introduced back into the system decreases. The study also demonstrates the benefits of using principal component analysis for the SOM initialization.

Deriving played trumpet directivity patterns from a multiple-capture transfer-function technique

The directional radiation patterns of musical instruments have long been defining characteristics known to influence their perceived qualities. Technical understanding of musical instrument directivities is essential for applications such as concert hall design, auralizations, and recording microphone placements. Nonetheless, the difficulties in measuring sound radiation from musician-played instruments at numerous locations over a sphere have severely limited their directivity measurement resolutions compared to standardized loudspeaker resolutions. This work illustrates how a carefully implemented multiple-capture transfer-function method adapts well to played musical instrument directivities and achieves compatible resolutions. Comparisons between a musician-played and artificially excited trumpet attached to a mannikin validate the approach's effectiveness. The results demonstrate the trumpet's highly directional characteristics at high frequencies and underscore the crucial effects of musician diffraction. Spherical spectral analysis reveals that standardized resolutions may only be sufficient to produce valid complex-valued directivities up to nearly 4 kHz, underscoring the need for high-resolution, played musical instrument directivity measurements.

Improvising with Machines: A taxonomy of musical interactions

This article maps out some of the relationships between performers and their instruments in live and improvised electronic music. In these practices, musical machines – be they computers, mechanical assemblages or combinations of different sound-makers and processors – act as generators of musical material and sources of unpredictability with which to improvise. As a lens through which to consider these practices, we examine a number of different roles these musical machines may take on during improvised performances. These include running, playing, surprising, evolving, malfunctioning, collaborating and learning. We explore the values of these different roles to the improvising musician, and contextualise them within some broad and historical trends of contemporary music. Finally, we consider how this taxonomy may make us more open to the vital materialism of musical instruments, and offer novel insights into the flows of agency and interaction possibilities in technologically mediated musical practices.

Molecular Ferroelectrics for Highly Sensitive Detection Toward Low-Frequency Sound Recognition.

Human hearing cannot sensitively detect sounds below 100Hz, which can affect the physical well-being and lead to dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Piezoelectric acoustic sensors still lack sensitivity to low-frequency sounds owing to the low piezoelectric coefficient or high elastic modulus of materials. The low elastic modulus and substantial piezoelectric coefficient of molecular ferroelectric materials make them excellent candidates for acoustic sensors. In this study, the molecular ferroelectric, [(CH3)3NCH2Cl]CdCl3, is used as a piezoelectric active layer in the construction of a piezoelectric acoustic sensor for low-frequency sound detection. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity (47.43mV Pa-1 cm-2) at 87Hz, with an excellent level of frequency resolution (up to 0.1Hz). This facilitates the accurate discrimination and detection of low-frequency sounds, which is suitable for noise detection applications. The sensor differentiates between various musical instruments and heartbeats, and recognizes audio signals. This study highlights the potential of molecular ferroelectric materials in piezoelectric acoustic device applications, including noise detection, health monitoring, and human-computer interactions.

Color and tone color: audiovisual crossmodal correspondences with musical instrument timbre.

Crossmodal correspondences, or widely shared tendencies for mapping experiences across sensory domains, are revealed in common descriptors of musical timbre such as bright, dark, and warm. Two experiments are reported in which participants listened to recordings of musical instruments playing major scales, selected colors to match the timbres, and rated the timbres on crossmodal semantic scales. Experiment A used three different keyboard instruments, each played in three pitch registers. Stimuli in Experiment B, representing six different orchestral instruments, were similar to those in Experiment A but were controlled for pitch register. Overall, results were consistent with hypothesized concordances between ratings on crossmodal timbre descriptors and participants' color associations. Semantic ratings predicted the lightness and saturation of colors matched to instrument timbres; effects were larger when both pitch register and instrument type varied (Experiment A) but were still evident when pitch register was held constant (Experiment B). We also observed a weak relationship between participant ratings of musical stimuli on the terms warm and cool and the warmth-coolness of selected colors in Experiment B only. Results were generally consistent with the hypothesis that instrument type and pitch register are related to color choice, though we speculate that these associations may only be relevant for certain instruments. Overall, the results have implications for our understanding the relationship between music and color, suggesting that while timbre/color matching behavior is in many ways diverse, observable trends in strategy can in part be linked to crossmodal timbre semantics.

Development of Learning Media for the Digital Native Generation

Digital Native is someone who was born in the 21st century, where the role of technology cannot be separated from his daily life, as well as in learning the art of music composition, the presence of the Score Creator application greatly assists the teacher's role both in conveying music material, analyzing music to creating a work of musical composition. Apart from that professional teachers are also required to develop an ideal learning model that is appropriate to the era, so that the classic problems that are often found by teachers in learning will be greatly assisted. This study aims to determine the benefits of Score Creator in learning music composition. This type of research is (research and development). The development steps chosen by the researcher refer to the ten steps of implementing the research and development strategy according to Borg and Gall. The results of the study show that by using the score creator music application learning music composition is more effective. The learning model developed can maximize students' abilities in making a piece of music. Students will find it easy to write notations, compose compositions and provide interpretations of the works they create, and be able to perform well-performed music without the need for expertise in playing musical instruments.

Pendampingan Kegiatan Ektrakulikuler Drumband dalam Meningkatkan kompetensi Non-akademik Peserta Didik SMPN 1 Kota Pariaman

This mentoring aims to see the implementation of Drumband Extracurricular activities towards improving non-academic competencies of students at SMPN 1 Pariaman. Drumband Extracurricular Activities at SMPN 1 Pariaman focus on the technical aspects of playing music, training students to master musical instruments such as snare drums, bass drums, tom-toms, pianicas, and cymbals. Practices are carried out routinely to prepare them to perform at school events and competitions. However, this activity emphasizes individual and team musical abilities without linking them to social activities or community service. Although students are skilled, they do not have structured opportunities to apply social roles through music, and the emphasis is more on technical achievements than on developing social character. This mentoring uses the Service Learning method. The results of the mentoring show that student involvement in Drumband Extracurricular activities provides a positive contribution to the development of soft skills, such as discipline, teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence. Thus, Drumband activities not only provide technical musical skills, but also improve non-academic competencies that are important for student development.

Animal artefacts challenge archaeological standards for tracing human symbolic cognition.

Stibbard-Hawkes challenges the link between symbolic material evidence and behavioural modernity. Extending this to non-human species, we find that personal adornment, decoration, figurative art, and musical instruments may not uniquely distinguish human cognition. These common criteria may ineffectively distinguish symbolic from non-symbolic cognition or symbolic cognition is not uniquely human. It highlights the need for broader comparative perspectives.

Creativity of Russian (Soviet) composers as a means of forming patriotic attitudes of the younger generation of musicians (exemplified by educational institutions of the Simbirsk Governorate – the Ulyanovsk region of the XX century)

Introduction. In contemporary conditions in Russia, the issues of education and upbringing of young people and formation of their civic position are a priority for the state, which necessitates the study of the achievements of previous generations in this field and putting them into practice. The purpose of this study is to focus on the approaches to the education of young musicians in educational institutions of the Simbirsk Governorate – the Ulyanovsk region in the XX century as a means of forming their patriotic attitudes. Materials and Methods. The article is based on archival documents. The current state of the historiography of the issue was taken into consideration. During this study, the principle of objectivity was applied, which made it possible to identify both achievements and difficulties in the work of musical and educational institutions on patriotic education of students. The historical-comparative method gave an opportunity to establish differences and similarities in the approaches of educational institutions to the study of the works of domestic composers as a means of forming patriotic attitudes of the younger generation of musicians. Results. The study showed that in the XX century the repertoire plans and curricula in music institutions of the Simbirsk Governorate – the Ulyanovsk region contained Russian and Soviet classics, whose works formed a sense of patriotism, respect for previous generations and the exploits of heroes of the Fatherland, love for the Motherland in students. Considering the creative heritage of M. I. Glinka, P. I. Tchaikovsky, A. P. Borodin, A. N. Skryabin, D. D. Shostakovich, G. V. Sviridov, etc. as part of the study of such disciplines as "History of Music", "Analysis of Musical Works", "Harmony", "Polyphony" and others, learning musical works of Russian and Soviet classics on musical instruments, in choir class, in ensemble and orchestra classes gave an opportunity to bring up a sense of love for the Motherland in several generations of Russian musicians. Conclusion. The analysis of historical experience has demonstrated that musical art is a conductor of patriotic ideas. Many musical compositions of Russian and Soviet classics which were based on real historical events are included in theatre and concert programmes. Composers through musical means of expression described the exploits of the Russian (Soviet) people, called for unity and heroism. Therefore, the consideration and introduction of the achievements of the past into practice can contribute to the improvement of this area in the present and future.

The impact of rhythm perception on chest compression rate during CPR: Insights from a pilot simulation study.

This pilot study aims to assess how individuals with rhythm perception, particularly musicians, are able to maintain the predefined chest compression rate during cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to people without rhythm perception. The study was conducted at the Pilsen Emergency Medicine Conference (Czechia) using a simulation-based cohort design. Participants performed chest compressions on a manikin for 120 s, with the first 10 s guided by a metronome. Participants were grouped based on self-reported rhythmic perception, such as playing a musical instrument. The primary outcome was the average chest compression rate per minute. A total of 67 participants were included. Both groups provided chest compression rate within the recommended limits. Musicians maintained a better chest compression rate (mean 110.56 compressions per minute) compared to nonmusicians (mean 107.31; T-test, p = 0.00074). Those with any rhythmic perception experience also performed better (T-test, p = 0.036931). Secondary factors, including gender, clinical experience, and prior resuscitation training, did not significantly affect the results. This study demonstrates that individuals with rhythm perception, especially musicians, follow the predefined frequency of chest compressions more effectively.