Abstract:
This historical-oriented research, using the methodology of narrative history, aims to study the evolution of the transmission of Jakhae playing skills from the reign of King Rama VI until the present time and to study the theoretical and practical knowledge in this transmion of these artistic skills as well as the transmission process in both formal and informal manners. This analysis of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Jakhae playing involved in the transmitting process from King Rama VI until the present time reveals that during the region of King Rama VI, there were 6 Jakhae virtuosos, namely: Phraya Prasaenduriyasap (Plaek Prasarnsap), Luang Wong Jakhae Rub (Toh Kamolawatin), Mr. Chum Kamolwatin, Mr. Chang Saengdaoden, Mr. Sangwan Kulawankee, Mr. Sawaeng Apaiwong. These Jakhae virtuosos transmitted directly skills in Jakhae playing in traditional Thai manner which consists of 1) a person-to-person teaching method 2) a memory-based teaching method 3) a teacher-imitating teaching method. In the transmission of knowledge and skills, two schools distringuished themselves, one under Master Ratee Wiseturakarn and the other under Master Thongdee Sucharikul. The study on theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Jakhae playing in the two schools shows that Master Ratee Wisetsurakarn transmitted musical skills in a direct fashion which consists of 1) checking the basic musical aptitude of the students 2) instilling ethical values of Thai musicians 3) using a traditional teaching method while Master Thongdee Sucharikul transmitted Jakhae-playing skills by 1) using a traditional teaching mehtod 2) using a formal educational method 3) instilling ethical values of Thai musicians. In the past, students were encouraged to derive theoretical knowledge from practice. Nowadays both theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge are of equal importance due to the fact that latter is used to develop theoretical knowledge as formal education gains more and more and more momentum in the Thai society. Analysis of the formal transmitting process of Jakhae-playing skills reveals that the kings were the patrons of these musical skills especially during the regign of King Rama VI who considered education as a means to develop a potential in Thai musicians. As a result, the transmitting process of Jakhae-playing skills shifted from a traditional process to a person-to-person teaching method which has become a subject of study in its own right in formal education with corricular development, a teaching process and the use of information technology in present-day education. However, the master-student relationship always continues to prevail in the transmitting process of Jakhae-playing skills. The characteristics of good Thai musical masters continues though discreetly in the teaching process with its beneficial influences on the students behavior. This leads to a body of knowledge, understanding and deep gratitude on the part of the students; thus contributing to the development of the transmitting process of Jakhae-playing skills.