Transmission Process in Saw Duang of Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen

Abstract

The transmission of knowledge in Thai music, particularly in the performance of the Saw Duang a traditional string instrument with a distinctive melodic role in ensembles requires not only theoretical knowledge and practical skills but also an understanding of the learners’ individual characteristics. This study aims to examine the process of transmitting Saw Duang performance by Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen, who is widely recognized for her significant contributions to Thai music education and the development of students’ potential across various contexts.

Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Bunditpatanasilpa Institute under the Ministry of Culture, is an expert in performing all three traditional Thai string instruments: Saw Duang, Saw U, and Saw Sam Sai. She has earned the title of “Queen of the Three Saws” due to her outstanding achievements, including winning top national awards in solo competitions across all three instruments over the past 25 years. Her contributions extend beyond performance, encompassing teaching, lec-turing, serving as a judge in competitions, and promoting Thai music through online media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, thereby expanding access to Thai music learning to the general public.

This research was conducted during February–March 2025, focusing on the teaching and learning process of Saw Duang performance under the instruction of Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwannee Choosen. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology (Qualitative Research) to explore and analyze the methods and components involved in her transmission process.

The researcher conducted the study using the following procedures: 1) Reviewing concepts, theories, and related studies, particularly the learning theory of Elizabeth Steiner (1988), which identifies four key elements of learning: the teacher, the learner, the content, and the teaching–learning context. This theory served as the main analytical framework for this study. 2) Identifying key informants: The participants were divided into two groups. The primary informant was Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen, and the secondary informants were two Saw Duang major students from the Thai Music program, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, who were enrolled in Thai String Instrument Skills 2 and 6 courses. 3) Data collection: Data were gathered from documents, articles, electronic media, interviews, and non-participant observations. The collected data were then organized, categorized, and synthesized to draw conclusions. 4) Data analysis: An inductive interpretive approach was used based on Steiner’s theoretical model to interpret the data and summarize the findings.

The research findings highlighted four main aspects of the transmission process: 1) Teacher: Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen possesses extensive experience and expertise in Saw Duang performance. She began learning the instrument at the elementary level and studied under several expert teachers. Her teaching, training, and competitive achievements have been consistently outstanding, and her students have demonstrated exceptional talent, gaining national recognition in music competitions. 2) Learners: Students are carefully selected by the teacher based on multiple criteria, including musical skill, personality, aptitude, and individual learning goals. The current participants had prior experience in Saw Duang performance and demonstrated ongoing skill development under the instructor’s guidance. 3) Content: Instruction follows the Faculty’s curriculum. Thai String Instrument Skills 2 focuses on foundational pieces such as Ching Phra Chan and Mahachai, while Skills 6 emphasizes solo repertoire, including Nok Kamin and Phaya Khruan. The assessment method is authentic, conducted in three stages: before, during, and after instruction, allowing both formative and summative evaluation of learners’ progress. 4) Context: Instruction occurs in a personal studio setting. The teacher employs the “17–tone system” technique developed by Master Vorayot Suksayachon to train pitch accuracy. The transmission method follows the oral tradition, delivered through one-on-one lessons, supplemented by cognitive training techniques, video clips, and musical scores to enhance students’ understanding and retention.

Overall, the findings indicate that the transmission process of Saw Duang performance by Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen effectively integrates the four components of Steiner’s learning theory. Her teaching emphasizes personalized guidance, practical musicianship, and a deep understanding of Thai musical aesthetics.

The study demonstrates that the transmission of Saw Duang performance by Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen is notable not only for its content but also for its systematic and structured methodology. The findings offer valuable insights for Thai music education, especially in teaching Saw Duang, applicable to both primary and higher education contexts. Furthermore, this study provides a reference for instructors seeking effective teaching strategies to cultivate students’ musical potential, preserve traditional Thai music, and promote its appreciation among broader audiences.

In conclusion, the research highlights the importance of combining theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and learner–centered approaches in the transmission of traditional Thai music. The systematic methods employed by Assistant Professor Dr. Suwannee Choosen, alongside her extensive experience and expertise, ensure that learners not only acquire technical proficiency but also develop a deep appreciation for Thai music culture. The study period, research framework, and analytical approach firmly demonstrate the direct application of Elizabeth Steiner’s learning theory, reaffirming its relevance to Thai traditional music pedagogy. This study contributes to the understanding of effective music pedagogy and serves as a guideline for both educators and researchers interested in the preservation and dissemination of Thai musical heritage.