THE ROLE OF UZBEK MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN PEDAGOGY, PERFORMANCE, AND CULTURAL IDENTITY

Abstract

This article explores the multifaceted role of Uzbek musical instruments in pedagogy, performance, and cultural identity. It examines how traditional instruments such as the dutar, tanbur, doira, and karnay serve as vehicles for the transmission of knowledge, values, and artistic practices across generations. Through formal conservatory education and informal apprenticeship traditions, these instruments function as pedagogical tools that shape technical skill, aesthetic sensibility, and cultural consciousness. In performance contexts, they play essential roles in both intimate and communal settings, from maqom recitals to festive ceremonies, acting as carriers of symbolism and mediators of collective experience. The study highlights how Uzbek musical instruments contribute to the construction and reinforcement of cultural identity, serving as emblems of national heritage and instruments of cultural diplomacy in the global arena. It also addresses contemporary challenges, including globalization and declining craftsmanship, while emphasizing the adaptability and enduring significance of these instruments. By situating Uzbek musical instruments within the intersection of education, performance, and identity, the article underscores their vital importance to the preservation and evolution of Uzbekistan’s intangible cultural heritage.