TAQSIM

Universities are spaces for intellectual growth, personal development, and preparation for future careers. Yet, in institutions without music or arts courses, a significant dimension of student development often remains untapped: the benefits of engaging in music activities. Encouraging students to participate in music-related initiatives can profoundly enhance their academic, emotional, and social experiences, even in universities where music is not formally part of the curriculum. by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain Here, we explore the multidimensional advantages of integrating music activities into university life and why institutions should promote such opportunities.   Cognitive and Academic Advantages Learning to play a musical instrument or engaging in music activities has been scientifically linked to enhanced brain function. Studies have demonstrated that music education can improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, which directly contribute to academic success. For ex...

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain Cultural and creative economy organizations play a critical role in helping to preserve traditional crafts and empowering those within the arts sector. However, despite their stated missions, many fail to provide meaningful and sustainable support for arts-based initiatives, including NGOs, private arts institutions, clubs, and individual practitioners. A closer analysis reveals systemic issues that hinder their effectiveness, including resource mismanagement, insufficient expertise among staff, and biases against initiatives in niche categories.  One fundamental problem is the lack of arts-oriented personnel within these agencies. Many decision-makers and staff members have minimal experience or understanding of the arts sector, let alone the specific challenges faced by arts practitioners. Without this essential knowledge, their strategies often rely on corporate-style frameworks or metrics that fail to capture the complexities of creative production and t...

by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain Johor, once a proud bastion of traditional arts, is witnessing a troubling decline in its gambus tradition. Today, the number of professional gambus players in the state has dwindled to fewer than three. Moreover, the artisanal craft of gambus-making is teetering on the brink of extinction, with only one known craftsman remaining after the recent passing of two revered elders. Without apprentices to carry forward this heritage, the survival of the gambus tradition seems uncertain. The gambus is not merely a musical instrument but a cultural artifact deeply intertwined with Malay heritage. Historically, the gambus has played a pivotal role in traditional music genres like zapin and ghazal, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. The instrument's unique sound and playing techniques have been passed down through generations, preserving a rich tapestry of musical expression. The loss of this tradition would mean losing a vital link to Johor's cu...