FOSTERING MUSIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS THROUGH MUSIC PARTNERSHIP

Abstract

This paper has demonstrated that music education in schools can be enhanced through strategic partnerships. Schools can collaborate with tertiary institutions, professional bodies, international organizations, and local music groups to nurture pupils’ and students’ musical development. The study explored and highlighted partnerships between several primary schools in Anambra State and the Department of Music, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, over a one-year period (2025–2026), which produced remarkable results. The focus of the partnership was training in cultural dance, conducted by eight members of the renowned Oyoma Dance Troupe of the Department of Music, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka—a group established by the researcher in February 2025. The methodology adopted was practice-based research, which involves generating knowledge through practical engagement. Substantial insights were gained through the various training sessions conducted as part of the partnerships. These trainings culminated in the unveiling of school dance troupes during cultural events organized by the respective schools. The training sessions involved coaching pupils in synchronized dance steps using recorded cultural music. Several challenges were encountered during the study, including the unavailability of traditional musical instruments due to high costs; difficulty in selecting appropriate recorded cultural music; high transportation costs for trainers traveling to and from the schools; time constraints in scheduling rehearsals due to tight school timetables; limited availability of the trainers, who were undergraduate students; challenges in managing pupils effectively during rehearsals; and the financial burden of producing costumes for members of each school’s dance troupe. Despite these challenges, appropriate solutions were implemented, and the outcomes of the partnership were positive.