Integrating Northeastern Thai Folk Melodies into Piano Education: A Cross-Cultural Approach to Music Pedagogy and Creativity

Abstract

This study aims to explore the integration of Isan folk melodies into piano education as a cross-cultural approach to music pedagogy, and to develop piano lessons that preserve cultural heritage while enhancing the educational experience for students. The research followed a qualitative methodology, with informants selected purposively from four key groups: folk music experts, performance specialists, music academics and undergraduate piano students. Results show the effectiveness of newly developed lessons in promoting both cultural preservation and musical innovation. The findings further highlight potential for these integrated lessons to be used in various educational settings, contributing to the broader goal of fostering cultural understanding and appreciation in music education. The integration of Isan folk melodies into piano education represents a significant step forward in the cross-cultural approach to music pedagogy. Suggestions include integrating arts and cultural performances into public and private learning centers, offering additional potential for community engagement. The creation of Isan melody piano lessons in this study also demonstrates the potential for further educational applications and innovations in music learning, with the potential to be expanded into music learning materials tailored to various levels, incorporating historical or cultural content to enrich the educational experience.