CHORAL MUSIC-MAKING AND ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE ‘NEW NORMAL’: IMPLICATIONS FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Corona virus also known as covid-19 brought about an unprecedented disruption globally. As a public health crisis, the pandemic significantly affected the social and economic activities of many countries. In order to curb the spread of the virus certain health guidelines (covid-19 protocols) were put in place by health experts. These protocols pose some challenges on several social activities including music making and especially choral music. This article explores choral music making during the covid-19 pandemic. It focuses on the role of digital technology and choral music in the ‘new normal’ and then discusses its implications for music educators in Nigeria. The article calls the attention of music educators to the current realities of choral music making through collaborative performances and exploration of digital tools for local and global visibility. It concludes by challenging music educators to consider the new normal as an opportunity for capacity building in the areas of digital music technology and calls for the urgent review of music curriculum in the country in order to cope with possible future disruptions.