Music classes bring joy to needy students
But BMA initiative is not without controversy, writes Supoj Wancharoen
Karanyapat Cherdsri and Wan Promprasert are not child music prodigies, not even close. However, they recently performed in a music show in front of an audience at their school given their novice skills in playing the piano and electronic keyboard.
Karanyapat and Wan are sixth and fifth graders from Wat Ratchanatda School. Their school is among 438 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) which were provided with a set of musical instruments including drums, electric guitars, keyboards and pianos.
The BMA’s music classes for schools under its supervision has come under fire after former Democrat MP Wilas Chanpithak accused the city authority’s procurement of musical instruments of being riddled with corruption.
But the students who attend t he music classes have found them to be a good experience and the instruments have given them exposure to Western music. They now have the chance to try the xylophone, snare drum, flute and melodeon.
“Playing an electronic keyboard brings joy to me. It was really great to see my mother’s smiling face as she enjoyed watching me performing onstage,” said Karanyapat.
The boy, who lives with his grandparents near Wat Saket Worawiharn because his parents live in Ratchaburi for work, was referring to when his mother had travelled from out of town to a special event held at his school earlier this month, which allowed students to show off their musical talents.
Wan meanwhile said that playing a piano in front of a crowd is quite an experience. “It was the first time I got up onstage to play the piano in front of a crowd. Awesome!” he said.
Wan said members of the music band had spent months rehearsing Jingle Bells to be performed at the school concert on Dec 1 which was attended by students and parents.
Earlier this month, Mr Wilas claimed that the purchases of the musical instruments — with which the children were performing — for BMA-run schools between 2008 and 2014 were not transparent and music classes initiated by the BMA were not practical.
He accused the BMA of misspending the 1.3 billion baht on unsatisfactory results. Funds were also allocated to construct a studio and hire two music teachers. He said the budget was spent on buying classical guitars and other instruments that have not been played by students, while some schools do not seem to be ready for music classes as they do not even have music teachers.
He also doubted if a 165,000-baht piano for a school was value for money.
Deputy Bangkok governor Pusadee Tamthai, overseeing education, defended the policy allowing students to practice their skills. For him, music helps bring out their talents, improves their mood and emotional health, concentration as well as discipline.
“I like the sounds the piano and keyboard produce when they are played. They are very nice,” said Karanyapat who always wished his family could afford to let him attend a Western music class after school.
Located on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue in Phra Nakhon district, the 80-yearold Wat Ratchanudda School now provides kindergarten up to preliminary levels to 85 students. A total of 47 students are taking music classes for two hours a week.
According to the school principal, Supaporn Teeracomsri, the scheme has provided each school with a piano, 10 keyboards, five electronic guitars, five acoustic guitars, amplifiers and lesson books. Two schoolteachers with musical knowledge would be sent for specialised training. One teacher would lead the class while the other would provide additional teaching support.
The principal urged third to sixth graders to join the classes because they are old enough to handle and use the musical instruments.
Although the Western music programme was launched, Thai classical music classes continue, Ms Supaporn said, adding the class teaches students to play the xylophone, fiddles and gong ( khong wong) once a week.
A professional Thai classic music and dancing teacher has been employed to teach students Thai music and dances both theoretically and practically, she added.
It’s great to see that our students have access to Western music and this should provide equal opportunities for all students, Ms Supaporn noted saying the majority of students at her school come from lowincome families who cannot afford to buy expensive musical instruments.
“So, the students won’t refuse the free piano classes. It is a rare chance,” she said.
The BMA has provided a set of music instruments; however, it’s the school’s responsibility to set up a music class and prepare students for basic music literacy.
“Teachers play a pivotal role in developing music literacy in students,” Ms Supaporn said.
She considers her school lucky as it has a low student-to-teacher ratio and a small music class size. As a result, it can improve students skills and allow them to receive more individualised attention.
Fewer students means a teacher has more time to work one-on-one with students. So they can try different activities and lessons that a larger class size couldn’t do, she said.
Traditional Thai music and dance teacher, Pitchaya The era chok si rip at, said being chosen as a teacher for the programme is a source of pride.
Ms Pitchaya, who graduated in traditional Thai music and holds a dance certificate, said attending the music training programme has given her new insights into the way to teach music to students.
“The training expanded my horizons,” she said. Students became eager to participate in the classes and to learn new things.
Music benefits students, Ms Pitchaya noted. Playing a musical instrument sharpens a student’s concentration that would also help in studying other subjects. It teaches them perseverance and increased responsibility, she added.
“We must have a high level of concentration while playing music. We have to focus on pitch, rhythm and quality of sound,” Ms Pitchaya said.
“I’m thankful for the BMA music classes, which add so much value to our school music programme. The opportunity for students to perform in public is incredible in so many ways.”
It was the first time I got up onstage to play the piano in front of a crowd. Awesome!
WAN PROMPRASERT