Academic Profile : Faculty
Asst Prof Gene Lai
Assistant Professor, National Institute of Education - Visual & Performing Arts
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Lai earned his PhD and MA in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University and an MMus in Western Music History and Literature from Ohio University. His research investigates the transnational impact of Indian folk drumming within Indian diasporic communities in Singapore and Malaysia, focusing on the uṟumi mēḷam, a localized Tamil folk drumming ensemble. Lai’s work challenges the common perception that Singaporean Indian folk drummers simply replicate traditional Indian practices. Instead, he demonstrates how these musicians have innovatively adapted within their diasporic contexts, making significant contributions to Singapore’s multicultural milieu. Lai has conducted ethnographic fieldwork in Singapore, Malaysia, and Tamil Nadu, South India, and his research has been published in journals, including Asian Music, Ethnomusicology Forum, and the Yearbook for Traditional Music.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Lai is an amateur mṛdaṅgam player, having trained under David Nelson. He has also studied karṇāṭak vocal music under B. Balasubrahmaniyan and performed with the Wesleyan Javanese gamelan ensemble under the guidance of Sumarsam and I.M. Harjito.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Lai is an amateur mṛdaṅgam player, having trained under David Nelson. He has also studied karṇāṭak vocal music under B. Balasubrahmaniyan and performed with the Wesleyan Javanese gamelan ensemble under the guidance of Sumarsam and I.M. Harjito.
Musical traditions of the Singaporean Indian Community.
Globalization and Musical Practices in Singapore
World Music Ensembles pedagogy
Globalization and Musical Practices in Singapore
World Music Ensembles pedagogy
Fellowships & Other Recognition
Society for Asian Music Small Grant
American Musicological Society Eileen Southern Travel Grant
American Musicological Society Eileen Southern Travel Grant