TRADITIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, THE IGBO CHILD EXPERIENCE

Abstract

In Africa, Music is believed to be one of the most effective ways of achieving positive life expectations. It is also a way of propagating and perpetuating traditions, norms and values. The Igbo harness these advantages by starting early in life to inculcate musical training into their children. Unfortunately, this effort has grossly depreciated. It becomes so glaring that the once cherished legacy/tradition is now fast disappearing probably on account of nonchallancy vis-a-vis exotic cultural influences. Admittedly, children are the future hope of any nation, if they are not well trained or given good foundation, the nation’s development will be at stake. This paper therefore, takes a look on the need for child’s early instruction on traditional music which provides the necessary ingredients for positive growth. It seeks to address issues on the child’s existing physical and socio-cultural factors which constitute as well as provide enabling ground for musical learning to take place. It goes further to look into factors that militate against traditional musical training of the Igbo child and suggest ways of improving the situation.