Ignore it at Your Own Peril! Using Music to Enhance the Quality of Education

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Date
2015
Authors
Muya, Francis Kihoro
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Music is an integral part of culture and is crucial in the development of an all round individual. Its influence begins before birth and continues after death. Education on the other hand ought to develop the whole person from birth and throughout life. Therefore music and education are like Siamese twins, play a complementary role and cannot be divorced - there is education in music and music in education. Without music, education becomes diluted and degraded. On the other hand, it is generally agreed that education should be holistic. Holistic education involves the cognitive, physical, spiritual and socio-emotional development. The purpose of this paper is to highlight research on music and holistic education of the learner based on a literature review. The literature was reviewed under the following subthemes: Music for intellectual/cognitive development, physical development, spiritual/moral development and social/emotional development. The review revealed that music is indispensable in ensuring that education is of good quality and contributes to sustainable development. The paper concludes by recommending that music be included at all levels of education to improve the quality of education provided.
Description
This paper was presented at the International Conference on ‘Re-Engineering Education for Sustainable Development’ held on 18th – 20th May 2015 at Kenyatta University Conference Centre (KUCC) Nairobi, Kenya
Keywords
Holistic education, music, intellectual/cognitive development, physical/motor development, socio-emotional development, spiritual/moral development
Citation
International Conference on ‘Re-Engineering Education for Sustainable Development’ 18th – 20th May 2015