Learning Process And Pargonsi Social Status (Musicians) In The Culture Of The Batak Toba Community In Huta Padang Village, Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency

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Learning Process and Pargonsi Social Status (Musicians) in the Culture of the Batak Toba Community in Huta Padang Village, Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency

Introduction

The Batak Toba community in Huta Padang Village, Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency, is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional music. The pargonsi, or musician, plays a vital role in this community, serving as a messenger, intergenerational liaison, and cultural preservationist. However, the learning process and social status of pargonsi in this community are complex and multifaceted. This thesis aims to explore the various stages that a pargonsi must pass through before being recognized as an influential figure in society.

Theoretical Framework

This research is grounded in the theories of Shin Nakagawa and Alan P. Merriam. Nakagawa's views on the learning process of music verbally are applied to the music culture of the Batak Toba community, while Merriam's opinion on the social status of a musician is explored in the context of the Toba Batak community. Merriam argues that there are differences in the recognition of musicians in society, depending on customs and social norms, and questions whether the work as a musician is the main livelihood or just a side job.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive-comparative method, which aims to provide a clear picture of the learning process and social status of pargonsi in the context of Toba Batak culture. The data collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of pargonsi in this community.

Pargonsi Learning Process

The results of this study show that there are two approaches in the learning process to become a pargonsi. The first approach is through exercises that are "scientific," which includes structured teaching between teacher and student. This exercise is based on strong knowledge about Batak music and culture. The stages in this process are very important to reach the peak of the rite known as Marsahala Guru. Three crucial processes that must be passed in this scientific exercise include:

Mastery of Musical Instruments

A prospective pargonsi must understand and master the instruments to be played. This mastery is not just learning to play musical instruments, but also understanding how to care for and harmonize the instrument to produce a good sound.

Mastery of Toba Batak Repertoar

Pargonsi Candidates must master various songs and repertoires that are characteristic of Toba Batak culture. This involves a deep understanding of the lyrics, melodies, and the social and cultural context behind each song.

Understanding Batak Customs

Music skills cannot be separated from the understanding of Batak customs and traditions. A pargonsi must recognize the values, norms, and relevant cultural practices in order to contribute effectively in every event that involves music.

Pargonsi Social Status

The social status of a pargonsi in the Toba Batak community is strongly influenced by the abilities and recognition received from the community. The learning process described above plays an important role in determining how a musician is valued. Those who are able to demonstrate abilities and control in art often get a higher place in the social structure of society.

The social and cultural context in Toba Batak also shows that pargonsi is not just a musician, but they act as a message, intergenerational liaison, and cultural preservation. Thus, they can have a higher social status if they are able to demonstrate proficiency and deep understanding in all aspects of Batak music and culture.

The existence of the theory of "musician as a professional" is also important in discussing the social status of pargonsi. Some musicians may make this profession the main livelihood, while others consider it a side activity. This has implications for the perspective of society towards them; Professional musicians who often appear and are widely known are more likely to get recognition and respect from the community than those who only work in a small scope.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research illustrates how complex the learning process and the social status of a pargonsi in the Toba Batak community. The learning process that involves scientific training and in-depth understanding of culture provides a strong foundation for a musician to develop. Meanwhile, the social status they obtain is not only determined by the ability of music, but also by the recognition of the community and their role in preserving cultural traditions. This research is expected to provide a deeper insight regarding the dynamics of musicians in the context of Toba Batak culture, as well as enriching discussions about the role of art in society.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • The Toba Batak community should recognize the importance of pargonsi in preserving cultural traditions and promoting cultural heritage.
  • The learning process of pargonsi should be formalized and standardized to ensure that musicians receive proper training and education.
  • The social status of pargonsi should be recognized and respected by the community, and their role in preserving cultural traditions should be acknowledged.
  • Further research should be conducted to explore the dynamics of pargonsi in other cultural contexts and to examine the role of art in society.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The study is limited to the Toba Batak community in Huta Padang Village, Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency.
  • The study only explores the learning process and social status of pargonsi and does not examine other aspects of pargonsi culture.
  • The study relies on a small sample size and may not be representative of the larger pargonsi community.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the following directions:

  • Examine the dynamics of pargonsi in other cultural contexts.
  • Investigate the role of art in society and its impact on cultural heritage.
  • Conduct a comparative study of the learning process and social status of pargonsi in different cultural contexts.
  • Explore the impact of globalization on pargonsi culture and the role of pargonsi in preserving cultural traditions.

References

  • Nakagawa, S. (1994). The learning process of music verbally. Journal of Music Theory, 38(1), 1-15.
  • Merriam, A. P. (1964). The anthropology of music. Northwestern University Press.
  • Batak Toba community. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batak_Toba

Note: The references provided are a selection of the sources used in this study and are not an exhaustive list.
Q&A: Learning Process and Pargonsi Social Status (Musicians) in the Culture of the Batak Toba Community

Q: What is the significance of the pargonsi in the Batak Toba community?

A: The pargonsi, or musician, plays a vital role in the Batak Toba community, serving as a messenger, intergenerational liaison, and cultural preservationist. They are responsible for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the community through music and other art forms.

Q: What is the learning process of a pargonsi?

A: The learning process of a pargonsi involves two approaches: scientific training and in-depth understanding of culture. The scientific training includes structured teaching between teacher and student, while the in-depth understanding of culture involves mastering various songs and repertoires that are characteristic of Toba Batak culture.

Q: What are the three crucial processes that a pargonsi must pass through in the scientific exercise?

A: The three crucial processes that a pargonsi must pass through in the scientific exercise are:

  1. Mastery of musical instruments
  2. Mastery of Toba Batak repertoar
  3. Understanding Batak customs

Q: How does the social status of a pargonsi in the Toba Batak community influence their role in society?

A: The social status of a pargonsi in the Toba Batak community is strongly influenced by the abilities and recognition received from the community. Those who are able to demonstrate abilities and control in art often get a higher place in the social structure of society.

Q: What is the theory of "musician as a professional" and how does it relate to the social status of a pargonsi?

A: The theory of "musician as a professional" suggests that some musicians may make this profession the main livelihood, while others consider it a side activity. This has implications for the perspective of society towards them; Professional musicians who often appear and are widely known are more likely to get recognition and respect from the community than those who only work in a small scope.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

  • The study is limited to the Toba Batak community in Huta Padang Village, Bandar Pasir Mandoge District, Asahan Regency.
  • The study only explores the learning process and social status of pargonsi and does not examine other aspects of pargonsi culture.
  • The study relies on a small sample size and may not be representative of the larger pargonsi community.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to explore the following directions:

  • Examine the dynamics of pargonsi in other cultural contexts.
  • Investigate the role of art in society and its impact on cultural heritage.
  • Conduct a comparative study of the learning process and social status of pargonsi in different cultural contexts.
  • Explore the impact of globalization on pargonsi culture and the role of pargonsi in preserving cultural traditions.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the Batak Toba community?

A: The study highlights the importance of recognizing the role of pargonsi in preserving cultural traditions and promoting cultural heritage. It also emphasizes the need for formalizing and standardizing the learning process of pargonsi to ensure that musicians receive proper training and education.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the broader field of music and cultural studies?

A: The study contributes to the broader field of music and cultural studies by providing a deeper understanding of the dynamics of pargonsi in the Toba Batak community. It also highlights the importance of considering the social and cultural context in which music is created and performed.