Starchild: Why Malaysian children love to play musical instruments

Chng Yan Bei, 9

Musical instruments come in many shapes and sizes, and each has its unique way of making sounds. Instruments can be grouped into different categories: strings, percussion, wind and keyboards.One of the most well-known is the guitar, loved for its versatility for various genres like rock, blues and country. Guitars can be electric or acoustic, each producing a distinctive sound.

Christabel Chew Yan Xin, 9Another popular instrument is the piano, known for its rich tones and wide range. Pianos are used in classical, jazz, and pop music, making them one of the most popular instruments for both beginners and professional musicians.

In Malaysia, we have some special traditional instruments that make our music heritage unique. One of them is kompang, a type of hand drum often played during Malay celebrations like weddings.

We also have the sape, a string instrument from Sarawak. The sape has a long neck and wooden body, resembling a guitar. Musicians pluck the strings to create enchanting melodies that tell stories and reflect the culture of Sarawak's Orang Ulu community.

Whether it's the rhythmic beats of kompang, the dynamic sounds of gendang or the melodious tunes of the sape, each instrument plays a special role in Malaysian culture.So, the next time you hear these instruments, remember the wonderful music they make and the joy they bring into our lives!

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, musical instruments. Here’s what they had to say.

"My favourite instrument is a piano. I like it because I have been learning it for two years. I am quite good at it and I can play a few beautiful songs. My teacher said that I would be able to go to a new grade if I practise harder. The reason that I like the piano is that my parents always enjoy listening to the simple pieces I play," says Chuah Seng Koon, eight.

Chuah Seng Koon, 8

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, nine, likes to play the violin. "It is small, compact and portable. Do you know that a new violin bow produces no sounds when used to play the violin unless it's first treated with a rosin? Rosin is a sticky substance from the resin of pine trees. It is applied to the hair of the bow to create friction when it comes into contact with the violin strings. After which the violin will produce a beautiful sound when played correctly."

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen,9"I enjoy playing the trumpet because it provides me with a creative outlet when I'm bored. However, the loud sound can sometimes annoy my neighbours. Still, I am glad I can create beautiful music with my trumpet now," writes Chng Yan Bei, nine.

Nine-year-old Christabel Chew Yan Xin's favourite musical instrument is the drums. "The three main races in Malaysia are the Malay, Chinese and Indian. Each group has its own traditional drum. The drum I like the most is the Chinese drum, which comes in various sizes. This drum plays a very important role during lion dances, opening ceremonies and cultural events."

Wong Jie Ern, 8

"The only instrument I have tried to play are the drums. It can make a loud 'boom boom' sound. People usually use it for lion dance during Chinese New Year. I like to listen to the drums because I can feel more energetic. Other than that, some people use it for 24 Festival Drums, a drum festival which represents the 24 festivals in the Chinese lunar calendar. I hope I can learn to play the drums," says eight-year-old Wong Jie Ern.

Find the hidden words!

ITEM: Who inspires you the most? It could be someone close to you, like a family member, teacher, or friend, or even a famous person you admire. Think about what makes them special. Maybe they have taught you something important or made you want to be a better person. Write about why this person inspires you, what qualities you admire, and how they have made a difference in your life. And don't forget to send us a drawing too!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Oct 25. Please put "STARCHILD: My Idol" in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.