Music

Music of Malaysia is a generic term for music that is made by various genres in Malaysia. It reflects the specific ethic groups of multiracial Malaysian society consisting of 3 main group such as Malay, Chinese, and Indian, as well as the indigenous tribes of Peninsula and East Malaysia. Each ethnic group has its own unique and exquisite traditional instruments.

Malay

Indian

Chinese

Malay

Traditional Malay music plays a big role in Malaysia from wayang kulit to theatrical dance drama performance, and from religious occasions to royal ceremonies. It had developed from the influences of India, China, Thailand and Indonesia. There are four types of Malay traditional instrument namely, aerophone (wind instrument), membranophone (membrane covered drum instrument), idiophone (percussion instruments) and chordphone (stringed instrument)

Aerophone

Senai

Pinai

Membranophone

Rebana

Kompang

Idiophone

Kesi

Gong

Chordphone

Rebab

Malay Music

CHINESE

The discovery of first chinese traditional instrument, a bone flute, was dated back 7000-8000 years ago in Neolithic Age. During the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, only royal families and dignitary official had privilege to enjoy music. Then entered the Tang Dynasty, where dancing and singing became mainstream, and music is spread from the royal court o the common people. In Song and Yuan Dynasty, many new musical literature were introduced. Many traditional musical instruments were developed during that time and they remain popular even until modern time.