THAI CONTEMPORARY MUSIC COMPOSITION: CONCEPTS, DEVELOPMENT, AND CREATIVE PROCESSES

Abstract

This academic article investigates Thai contemporary music composition by analyzing the concepts, development, creative processes, and case studies of compositions by Thai composers across four major stages: the pioneering stage, the developmental stage, the identity-driven creative stage, and the technologically innovative and locally integrated contemporary stage. The article focuses on the integration of Thai and Western musical elements, the application of technology in sound creation, and the expression of Thai identity in a global context through contemporary music. The findings reveal that Thai composers have developed distinctive approaches by integrating local cultural roots with Western music and modern technologies, resulting in innovative and harmonious musical works. These works contribute new knowledge in sound design, musical structuring, and composition as a medium of social, cultural, and spiritual communication. Moreover, the article synthesizes a creative process in Thai contemporary music that can be applied to creative research and contemporary music education.