Music education in a digital economy: proposal for a review of the music technology curriculum in polytechnic education in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper advocates for an overhaul of the Music Technology curriculum within Nigeria's Polytechnic education system to better equip students for the dynamic digital music economy. This proposed enhancement aim at integrating theoretical principles with hands-on applications, to allow students to explore the diverse facets of the music industry. The main goal of the proposed reviewed curriculum is to allow for the expansion of the music industry to generate employment opportunities, and drive substantial growth in music e-commerce. Despite the over three-decade of existence of music technology education in Nigeria’s Polytechnic, its curriculum has been criticized for failing to meet current industry’s expectations. In addressing the shortfalls, the study proposes the inclusion of substantial local content that will align with current industry needs capable of preserving the scholarly and professional mandate of the programme. The paper’s methodology employs the use of literary sources and participant-based methods for a robust foundation for curriculum improvement.