Process on Khaen Accompaniment for Lam Performance in Lao PDR

Abstract

This research aimed at investigating the following : 1) The instruction process on Khaen
accompaniment for Lam performances in Lao PDR 2) The difÞculties and the ways to develop
the instruction process on Khaen accompaniment for Lam performances in Lao PDR.
Research areas were Vientiane Metropolitan, Khammuan, Savannakhet, and Champasak
Provinces. Field data were gained from observation and interviews with 7 key-informants, 28
casual informants, and 6 general informants. The data were examined by means of a triangulation
technique, analyzed according to research purposes and research results were presented by
means of a descriptive analysis.
The research results revealed that the instruction process on Khaen accompaniment for Lam
performances consisted of 3 steps : preparation, operation, and evaluation. In preparatory step,
the non - schooling students were stimulated by their own interest and acquired Khaens (reed
mouth organs) by themselves, whereas the in-schooling students were provided khaens and
instruction aid materials by their teachers. In operational step, the non-schooling students learned
to play the khaens by themselves through listening and observing from non-particular teachers
performances, then they started to perform from their memories, whereas the in-schooling
students learned to play the khaens under the supervision of their teachers. In evaluative step,
the non-schooling students were evaluated by peers and professional molams (Lao-folk singers),
whereas the in - schooling students were evaluated by their teachers.