Voices from the Sidewalk: The Compendium of Musical Compositions of Cebu City Street Musicians

Abstract

Filipino composers have created various music, yet their works were rarely recorded or published. The paper documented and transcribed the original pieces of street musicians from Cebu City. The researchers utilized a Descriptive-Qualitative research design, focusing on four prospective street musicians aged at least 18 years old with over three years of experience with original music composition accompanied by their chosen instruments. The research involved capturing video and audio recordings, which were then transcribed to preserve the compositions for future reference. The researchers gathered four original works: "Hangad ng Pagbabago," "Balisa," "Pagkabulahan," and "Pangako," each reflecting the personal experiences and inspirations of the composers. The results revealed that Cebu City’s Street musicians drew inspiration from their life experiences and emotions. By integrating these compositions into the curriculum, the study aimed to raise awareness of Cebuano Street music and develop initiatives to support the publication and distribution of original works, thereby increasing their visibility and fostering appreciation for these artists' talents. Preserving local musical traditions and encouraging future studies to explore the broader implications of street music on cultural identity and community engagement. This documentation serves as a tribute to the musicians and a vital resource for cultural education and appreciation.

Keywords: street musician, musical compositions, documentation, musical transcription, cultural preservation