Ancestors of Myanmar called Prome Dynasty entered Southern parts of Ayeyarwady River from the upper parts of Chinese Rawsuko River over thousands years ago. Myanmar ancestors were said to be Mongolian. This dynasty came to ruin around the 1st century of A.D. It was said Prome Dynasty was an excellent country influenced by the culture of the ancient India.

Music is also influenced by that of China and India. Another thing is that a Myanmar king attacked and captured Ayuddaya, Thailand. And the culture of Thailand came into Myanmar. Thai music contains parts of Myanmar music. Then the country became a colony of British Empire in the 19th century.

To consider the facts about Myanmar music, it is mixed with from some countries. To study music, there are so many unclear facts about Myanmar music. Myanmar music has separate musical instruments and tunes. Although the technology is not much developed, there was a history of each instrument, which was handed down by words.

There are a lot of musical instruments originally made by many ethnic groups. It is strange to find that there is a system of music and tune in several regions in Myanmar.

Myanmar musical instruments can be divided into six groups.
  1. Kyey : Metal instruments
  2. Kyo : String instruments
  3. Thaye : Instruments made of leather
  4. Lei : Wind instruments
  5. Let Khoke : Percussion instruments used for                       timing; clappers
  6. Patala : Xylophone *RV

<< Click me to go back to main menu