How should you preserve and document your musical process?In days past, paper was the only way to document your career. Nowadays, digitization has changed the way we do things. Music documentation has never been so easy. Many up-and-coming musicians already upload their music on social media platforms. However, it is important to be aware of these concerns:
- Be aware of the lifespan and limitations of digital storage. If your music documentation is stored in your computer or on a hard drive, you might lose the data if the hardware is damaged or lost. Hardware does wear out with time.
- If you prefer to keep a hardcopy of your song lyrics/sheet music, make sure to keep it in a place where it will be safe for years to come. As said above, it could become valuable if you become famous.
Finding inspiration and learning from preserved music
Part of the reason why the Penang House of Music was established was to serve as a resource for new musicians to be able to access and learn about the music of the past and be inspired.
Augustin says that there is an ongoing process to catalog and digitize the music of our nation’s past. Musicians and researchers can visit in the future to try out traditional instruments, as well as seek staff assistance if specific information is needed. For example, Augustin mentions that a researcher once approached them for information on when metal flutes came to Malaysia.
Augustin is very passionate about preserving the stories of the musicians who came before and were active in our nation’s early years. In order to promote public interest, the Penang House of Music has interactive exhibits such as recording stations and usable traditional instruments. Augmented reality is also used at certain exhibits to bring the music of the past into the modern age. Augustin says that the museum isn’t just about documenting music, but also about educating visitors on the story of Malaysia and Malaysian musicians.