Judging the
cultures of School Music in Africa
Palm House
of Opera & Creativity study report of 2014 indicates that school music
tradition in Africa can be linked to every genre of music; of both local and
foreign interpretation. Some number of African schools adhering to just one particular
type of music can be difficult to find.
The curriculum
method have always been to teach the pupils all types of music and allow them develop
interest in a particular type of their choice along the line.
Students from
Orthodox Church background had always preferred classical form, while those from
Pentecostal church or from secular/traditional background would always go for
jazz/hip-pop/ethno-musical forms.
Generally,
Africans enjoy songs with drum beats that is danceable with laud sounds of
local instruments. English/classical methods are perceived to be for the elites
or learned.
However,
that perception is seriously changing and Africans are beginning to understand
the real benefit of classical music and the ways of enjoying it. They have
grown to know that it is the type of music needed for healthy brainy activities
and sound mind boggling. They have embraced the study findings about classical
music impart in human life.
Today, schools
in Africa are changing their curricular in respect to music in other to ensure
that pupils are taught pure classical music form at all levels. They have shown
more focus in topics like:
1.
Rudiments of
music
2.
Musical notation
3.
Staff
4.
Sight reading
5.
Musical composition
6.
Etc
A lot of colleges
have learned to engage musicologists instead of secular musicians for the
position of music teacher in their various schools. And these have helped to
breed sound performers of classical music in the African society today. The old
trend is fast given way for the new trend.
Today in
the African society one can easily see and feel the benefit of that single move
in our young people. You can easily
find:
1.
Violinist (young
and old)
2.
Pianist
(young and old)
3.
Flutist (young
and old)
4.
Organist (young
and old)
5.
Composer (young
and old)
6.
Cellist (young and old)
7.
Trumpeter
(young and old)
8.
Saxophonist
(young and old)
9.
Trombonist (young
and old)
10. Etc
My Judgment
Here is
important note: What is lacking now is a
veritable platform to showcase these enormous talents of African musicologists
and performers. A unique means of keeping artistes up to date in that line of
classical music and make most use of them where it matters.
For instance;
after acquiring the tedious classical music trainings, one either plays for
church which happens to the highest employer of classical musicians or choral
groups which are rear to find, or may be teach same from home to home, and vise
vasa. There are no mapped channels for proper engagement or attachment for
continuous advancement for the young talent.
One needs
to always practice, perform, get challenged and work in line with rules of the
profession. By so doing the performer will grow in wisdom and experience and
the society will benefit in that regard.
The demerit; due to none availability of
such programs, good hands of classical music has in some cases abandoned the
profession for the type that keeps them on the spotlight or that challenge them
and gives them money and firm. So, we see a situation where schools labor to
train students in a healthy and proper formation in music and in no time see
that person going back to the other system which schools seems to amend.
My plea:
Urgent solutions
are needed in the areas of providing a competitive platform for the purpose of
keeping African classical musicians active and sounds in other not to continue
to lose them to the other system as the case is right now.
This should
not be left for the government to do rather African orthodox Churches should
come to the rescue of this “classical music tradition in African Society” for
the benefit of their liturgy and entire African faithful.
Catholic,
Anglican, Methodist, First Baptist, Presbyterian, and CAC Church heads should
as a matter of urgency devise a plan to rescue this great endowment in Africa. Let’s
continue to encourage more participation and ensure its sustainability.
Africa is
Music
Music is
Africa
By: IGIRI INNOCENT
