The development of classical music performance in Malaysia with references to music education and training

The teaching and performance of western classical music in Malaysia began under British rule in Malaya and became popular especially among the urban population in major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh and Johor Baru in the 1970s until today. The RTM Orchestra, the Malaysian National Orchestra and other regional orchestras like the Petaling Jaya Youth Chamber Orchestra, Penang Symphony Orchestra, and the Kuala Lumpur Symphony Orchestra were formed since the 1980s to augment performance and job opportunities for local musicians. The teaching and learning of western classical music in Malaysia is mainly based on British music examination boards such as the ABRSM, Trinity, and Guildhall examination system. Malaysians interested to pursue advanced training in western classical music had to study overseas for lack of tertiary institutions offering music degree programs in the 1970s & 1980s. However, in the 1990s, several local public and private universities began offering Bachelor degrees in music. Nevertheless, classical music training and learning is more popular among the urban ethnic Chinese and less visible in the other ethnic groups. The most popular musical instrument choice is the piano