Canon Singing with Body Percussion in Ramwong Folk Songs to Enhance Learning among Older Adults

Abstract

This article presents an approach to developing music activities for older adults through the integration of canon singing and body percussion using a medley of five traditional Thai Ramwong songs: Chor

Mali, Yuan Ya Le, Lor Jing Na Dara, Ta Mong Ta, and Klai Khao Ma Ik Nit. The activities were designed to align with the context of Thai musical culture and the physical capabilities of older adults. The learning process emphasized participation, vocal coordination, and safe movement practices, aiming to enhance cognitive perception, motor skills, and social interaction.

The implementation of the activities within a lifelong learning project demonstrated high levels of participant satisfaction and positive changes in emotional well-being, physical engagement, and interpersonal relationships. The findings revealed that participants reported the highest satisfaction in collaborative practice with others (4.7), followed by enjoyment (4.6), understanding of the activity content (4.5), emotional impact (4.4), and physical skill development (4.3). These results indicate that the activities effectively promoted integrated learning in a manner appropriate to the context of Thai musical culture.