The Innovation of Music Composition “Samniang Dhamma U Thong” Developed from Identities of Ethnic Groups for Improving the Process of Thinking, Analysis and Following the Buddhist way of Life

Abstract

The composition of ‘Samniang Dhamma U Thong’ is one of the outputs of the research ‘The Innovation of Music Composition based on Ethnic Music in U Thong district to Create New Beliefs and Faiths’. The purpose of this study was to create music composition based on ethnic identities in order to use in rituals to improve one’s meditation. This research process includes literature review, field study, non-structured interview, focus group discussion, and the combination between research methodology and CPRM (Compose – Practice – Record – Mixdown and Mastering).The results showed that there are many ethnic groups in U Thong district. However, the group which can obviously maintain their unique identities is Thai-Laos group. In aspect of music in U Thong district, their identities can be classified into two groups: Traditional style and Applied style. The traditional style refers the music of ethnic group who originally lived in the area and still can preserve their music cultural identities, such as ritual music of Lao Song or Thai Song Dam. The applied style refers contemporary music, such as Thai country song, folk song, mixed styles of folk and popular songs, etc. One of the outputs of this research which is music composition can be used for religious rituals as a tool to create meditation. The player uses newly invented music instrument to play religious songs with their belief and faith in Buddhism.