| Summary: | This paper discusses the issues involved in the teaching and learning of musical composition in one
of the universities in a country which is dominated by various ethnic and religious groups. The
discussion warrants an overview of the historical backdrop of Malaysia, its people, heritage, and the
resultant types of music. The paper will also trace the aims of music education in schools and in
Universiti Sains Malaysia, the role of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and its outreach
program, the effects of Western compositional styles, classical or popular, and the impact of Islamic
influences, imported or homegrown, on music making. It will include a brief study of the musical
preferences of Malaysian students.
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