MUSIC EDUCATION: PEDAGOGY OF HOPE

Abstract

This paper will discuss the importance of music as a subject of study in Nigerian schools, both primary and secondary. It will highlight the historical background on music education formally and informally taking into cognizance how music should be taught in order to make the public and music learners appreciate music for its sake, instead of accepting it only as a medium of entertainment and instrument of studying other subjects in schools. Music education has been in existence right from the origin of music itself. Communities and societies have relied on music as an instrument of instruction, knowledge, information and entertainment. Music has also served its purpose as a form of worship for religious purposes and other forms. Children have learnt a lot through music and this system is still on today. The study of music as a subject today has declined because the importance as a subject of study has been overlooked and even viewed as just a subject purely for entertainment yet music still plays its roles in various forms and areas beyond what the society sees it. Literatures related to the subject of study will serve as data instrument for this study. Questionnaires will also be used to provide necessary information to enhance this study as well.