1. Immersion in Gamelan Culture: From an early age, individuals in Java were exposed to gamelan music through cultural events, performances, and rituals. The pervasive nature of gamelan in Javanese society contributed to a natural absorption of the music's rhythms, melodies, and instruments.
2. Apprenticeship: Those who showed an interest and aptitude for gamelan were often apprenticed to experienced musicians or masters (gurus). These gurus were highly respected and served as mentors, passing on their expertise, knowledge, and techniques.
3. Oral Transmission: The teaching of gamelan music was primarily oral. Gurus demonstrated melodies, rhythms, and techniques to their students through playing. Students learned by closely observing, listening, and imitating their teachers.
4. Gradual Skill Development: Learning gamelan was a gradual process. Students started by mastering the basics of playing a single instrument, such as the xylophone-like gender or metallophone-like saron. As they progressed, they expanded their knowledge to other instruments and learned how to play within the ensemble.
5. Ensemble Practice: Once students gained proficiency on individual instruments, they joined gamelan ensembles for group practice sessions. These sessions not only honed their playing skills but also emphasized teamwork and coordination within the ensemble.
6. Repertoire and Composition: As students advanced in their training, they learned about the traditional gamelan repertoire, including classical pieces, folk melodies, and improvisational forms. They also gained knowledge about composition and arrangement, creating new pieces or adapting existing ones.
7. Performance Experience: Apprentices had opportunities to perform with their teachers or ensembles at various events, such as ceremonies, festivals, or weddings. These experiences helped them gain confidence, performance skills, and a deeper understanding of the music's cultural context.
8. Lifelong Learning: Gamelan learning was not limited to a specific period but continued throughout musicians' lives. As individuals became experienced performers and teachers themselves, they passed on their knowledge to new generations, thus perpetuating the tradition of gamelan music in Java.
In modern times, while oral transmission and apprenticeship remain significant, formal music education programs and institutions have emerged in Java, offering structured curricula, workshops, and certifications in gamelan music. However, the traditional guru-student relationship still holds great importance in the transmission of this cultural art form.