The Role of Educational Administrators in Supporting Thai Musical Art and Culture for Children and Youth

Abstract

This article aims to examine and analyze the roles of school administrators in supporting and promoting Thai musical arts and culture for children and youth. Thai music is regarded as an important cultural heritage that reflects the national identity and cultural uniqueness of the Thai people. Promoting Thai music in educational institutions plays a vital role in fostering cultural values, a sense of national pride, as well as enhancing creativity, musical skills, and desirable characteristics among learners. The scope of this study focuses on the roles of school administrators in policy formulation, educational management, and support for Thai music–related activities in accordance with the context of educational institutions and community needs, in order to ensure that the preservation and transmission of Thai music are carried out systematically and sustainably.

This academic article employs a document-based study approach, drawing on relevant literature and research related to school administration, the preservation and promotion of Thai arts and culture, as well as concepts of Thai music instruction in educational institutions. The study involves the collection, analysis, and synthesis of data from books, academic documents, research reports, and scholarly articles from both domestic and international sources. The data are analyzed using comparative and content analysis methods. The research process emphasizes the selection of credible sources that are consistent with the objectives of the article, followed by the systematic categorization of key concepts concerning the roles, responsibilities, and operational approaches of school administrators in supporting Thai music learning and activities for children and youth. In addition, the findings are contextualized within Thailand’s contemporary social, cultural, and educational settings in order to derive comprehensive conclusions that reflect an integrated overview of Thai music management in educational institutions. The results can serve as practical guidelines for enhancing instructional management and promoting Thai musical arts and culture effectively and sustainably.

The findings indicate that the roles of school administrators in supporting and promoting Thai musical arts and culture for children and youth can be categorized into six key aspects. First, policy support plays a crucial role, as school administrators are responsible for formulating policies and strategic plans to promote the establishment and development of learning resources within schools that focus on the preservation of Thai music. This includes allocating budgets to support Thai music–related projects, integrating Thai music into the school curriculum within music and arts subject areas or as elective courses, and encouraging schools to implement programs aimed at preserving and transmitting Thai music. Second, resource allocation is essential, as administrators should provide adequate budgets, Thai musical instruments, instructional materials, and qualified personnel to support effective Thai music instruction. The procurement of Thai musical instruments and the recruitment of teachers with expertise in Thai music significantly enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Third, the promotion of Thai music activities within schools is vital, including organizing Thai music competitions at the school, provincial, and national levels to foster students’ musical skills, encouraging Thai music performances during important school events, and supporting the documentation and dissemination of students’ Thai music performances through online media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook. Fourth, building collaborative networks is an important responsibility of school administrators, who can establish partnerships among schools, local communities, and external organizations, including Thai music institutions, universities, and public and private agencies, to organize Thai music–related activities. Such collaboration contributes to the sustainability and broader impact of Thai music promotion. Fifth, the use of technology to promote Thai music in the digital era is increasingly important, as administrators can support the application of digital technologies for teaching and disseminating Thai music through the development of online instructional media and digital platforms related to Thai music. Finally, the development of teachers and personnel in Thai music is a key factor, as administrators should encourage professional development through training programs or further education in Thai music to ensure that teachers are well prepared and capable of delivering instruction effectively.

In conclusion, the role of school administrators is a key factor in driving the preservation and promotion of Thai musical arts and culture in a sustainable manner. Visionary management, policy support, efficient allocation of resources, and collaboration with various stakeholders contribute to effective Thai music learning management with tangible outcomes. The promotion of Thai music in educational institutions not only serves to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage but also plays a significant role in fostering learners’ balanced development in academic achievement, moral values, and aesthetic appreciation. This enables learners to sustain Thai cultural values while effectively adapting to contemporary society.