Approaches to Cultural Sustainability through Creating Études/ Studies Based on Malay Children’s Folk Songs Used In Beginner’s Viola Method Book (original) (raw)

To nurture the study process within a beginner viola player among the locals, the researchers created a method book that consists of songs and études (studies) that develop the technical, rhythmical and expressive abilities. This book was made possible by using the local Malay children‟s folk songs. The purpose of this viola method book is to promote cultural sustainability through the educational process of learning to play viola. This method book also aims to facilitate students with an easier way to learn to read music scores in alto clef by using folk songs which they are familiar from their childhood. This book is also to improve motor skills and abilities (for right and left hands) through practice études (studies) which constructed particularly from the folk song. The methodology consisted of selecting suitable Malay children's folk songs and creating études (studies) based on them. Songs and études (studies) were then placed in a sequence based on difficulty, where they could be used to train the skills of sight-reading, placement of fingers on the string and for learning the rhythmic patterns used in the song. This research hopes to encourage the local teenagers to learn their folk songs on viola through this method book. The materials will develop playing skills and will also help to preserve the cultural heritage for the future generation. Keywords: viola, method book, traditional Malay children‟s songs, études (studies)