Traditional music, as one of the genre which has been favored by wider communities becomes easier to dig and explore, in which creates its own vulnerability of losing its own identity since the society especially youngsters tend to fond of foreign music which has been considered as modern and exclusive. Meanwhile, traditional music is perceived as ancient and worthless heritage. This fact, however, does not trigger the educators in music to teach and inherit traditional music in meaningful ways significantly. Yet, they seem to let all things going uncontrollably, even worse, some of them teach the modern music that they are not inherited by. Thereby, this article proposes a thinking of one strategy - a meaningful one - to be thought of and implemented to especially in formal education. The strategy is coined as ‘establishing critical thinking’ in music which covers these aspects: 1) knowledge 2) understanding, 3) skill, 4) attitude, 5) appreciation, and 6) habit. These aspects are analyzed by framing them to various indicators and explaining the steps of its implementation in formal educational field. Interpretation is later on drawn based on facts, relevant resources, and research results. It is hoped that with this strategy, young generation can be more attracted to local art and culture, attached to its foundation and philosophy so that they can plant and flourish them generation to generation so that local music and arts will be long lastingly cultivated.
Kata kunci: strategi, pendidikan musik, berpikir kritis.