Music Education in Ghana and Nigeria: A Brief Survey

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Periodical article

Title:	Music Education in Ghana and Nigeria: A Brief Survey
Author:	Kwami, Robert
Year:	1994
Periodical:	Africa: Journal of the International African Institute
Volume:	64
Issue:	4
Pages:	544-560
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Ghana Nigeria
Subjects:	music education Architecture and the Arts Education and Oral Traditions
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/1161373
Abstract:	This article provides a brief historical survey of music education in Ghana and Nigeria, countries in which the author has taught, in both formal and informal contexts. It encompasses three periods - the precolonial, colonial and postcolonial eras. Its main aim is to search for explanations of an apparent dichotomy between African and Western music in the school curricula in both countries. It shows that, during the precolonial and colonial eras, some missionaries, colonial administrators and teachers encouraged the use of indigenous music in the formal, Western, education systems, whilst, in the postcolonial period, initiatives to include more indigenous African music have put some pressure on lower levels of the curriculum. Consequently, it may be necessary to reassess the content, methods and resources of music education in both countries. Bibliogr., note, sum. in English and French.