EXPERIENCE OF GENTRIFICATION IN THE MUSIC LEARNING OF THE PUPILS OF GEORGE HANDEL MUSIC ACADEMY ONITSHA

Abstract

This study investigates the historical circumstances surrounding the emergence of George Handel Music Academy, Odoakpu Onitsha (GEHMA), the socio-cognitive foundation and implications of the musical thrust of GEHMA, as well as other factors – like travels/excursions, elegant concert costumes, camaraderie of genuine friendship – that has contributed to and enhanced the success of GEHMA. Following up the results of the inquiry, based on the ethnographic approach of participant observation, the author – by way of critical and reflective analysis of the musical attitudes, aesthetics and performances of the students of GEHMA – came to the discovery of what can be defined as ―gentrification‖ of the children of the academy, a concept that can be related to the notion of self-esteem, self-efficacy, self-worth and self-competence. These are positive subjective self-concepts that arise from the practice of music and which educators in Nigeria would do well to harness.