Music Pedagogy in a digital economy: A focus on the undergraduate programme of the Department of Music, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Abstract

There are some innovative ways and improved methods of teaching and learning of music in a digital world that we find ourselves. Digitizing music pedagogy has enhanced learning efficiency and quality teaching/instruction; hence, teachers of music need to keep abreast with the developments through quality research and trainings. This study seeks to find out the scope of the digital contents in the undergraduate programme of the Department of Music, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. This is attended to by assessing the programme in the dimension of teaching strategies and the learning outcomes. A questionnaire and participant observation are used. The questionnaire is administered to a sample of sixty (60) students and ten (10) lecturers. The study confirms that there are impressive digital contents in the programme and that students are at home with the contents, being enthusiastic, eager and anxious about learning the entrepreneurial benefits associated with them. However, there are evident problems identified in respect to inadequate instructional techniques, insufficient tools, equipment and instruments among other things. It is therefore recommended that the required instructional tools and materials be provided. The lecturers need to equip themselves and be equipped to cope with the challenges of this growing trend in music pedagogy.