The viability of music as an academic subject at secondary school level

• Main Author: Jacobs, Gail Suzan
• Other Authors: Adams, S.A. (Mr.)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Bantu education; Curriculum statements; Music curriculum; Music education; National Senior Certificate; 780.71268; Music in education > South Africa; School music > Instruction and study > South Africa; Multicultural education > South Africa
• Online Access: Jacobs, Gail Suzan (2010) The viability of music as a viable subject at secondary school level, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3696>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3696

The study of music has long been seen as élitist in South African education, a ‘talent’ subject rather than an academic one. The country’s political history has played a significant role in this perception. Under the apartheid government, education in the arts was considered appropriate only for gifted, mostly white, students and a grossly inequitable distribution of resources placed the study of music beyond the reach of most students. The ANC government has declared educational reform a priority, but faces enormous challenges in redressing inequities of the past. This study examines the relevance and academic rigour of music curricula past and present, in the light of political influences; and the challenges that face schools and education departments in sustaining growth and development of music as an academic subject, accessible to all at senior secondary school level. === Music === M. Mus.