Gamelan as Traditional Musical of Java

Playing Gamelan

The sound of music can be gotten from many instruments. Drums, piano, guitar, and many others. Those are commonly used by people in performing music concerts on the stage.

Different from Java, one of the islands placed in Indonesia. Besides this island is rich in natural resources and called a paradise island, this island also has many cultures and traditions. One of them comes from music; gamelan.

Gamelan is a traditional musical instrument that is commonly used by Javanese to celebrate or welcome important guests. This traditional musical instrument also has various kinds and shapes. Every name or kind also has a different function in use. Those collaborated to make such beautiful music and named gamelan.

Gamelan has its uniqueness. First, it's made from iron or copper. Second, only a few people can play it to create beautiful sound because there is no musical note in gamelan. Third, it is rare.

Do you want to learn gamelan? You must visit Java and stay for a long time to learn it. Make your own team in order that you make beautiful collaboration and make beautiful music from gamelan. It is enough for you to choose one of the instruments that are available on the stage. It may be seen as simple at glance but will be difficult in practice.

It may be difficult too for you to leave Java after visiting it. Fresh air, natural resources, kind people, diversity, culture, and unique traditions.

As a note I found this tradition, playing gamelan in one of the villages in Semarang named Desa Keji. It's exactly located in Ungaran, Semarang District. Remember that it is a little bit difficult to reach this place because the place is hidden, far from the crowded areas. However, ask people surrounding, and they will help you to give direction.

Enjoy your time and keep Javanese culture.

Written by Laela Mahmudah, S.S