Journal of the Association of Nigerian Musicologists

Music in a digital economy Quo vadis ?

2024-08-07T11:06:59+00:00

The key word in this discourse is digital. The term digital has to do with the technology that generates, stores and processes data. In this case the computer comes to mind. We have to be mindful of the ever increasing acceptance of the computer into education, the business world, the political area and the society in general. It is an undeniable fact that our society is a computer generation. If anyone remains computer illiterate, he or she will likely encounter many difficulties or will at least be hampered by an ability to take advantage of the vast potential benefits of a digital society. A computer can be defined as a device for processing, storing, and displaying information. Computer once meant a person who did computations, but now the term almost universally refers to automated electronic machinery (Geddes & Grosset, 2002:38).

Music education in digital economy: the prospects and strategies of teaching music through electronic media at the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State

2024-08-07T11:29:35+00:00

The proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in educational settings has been remarkable globally over the past decade. The Digital Age is characterized by the widespread dissemination of vast amounts of information through computer technology. Concurrent with music pedagogy, the utilization of electronic means for teaching and learning beyond traditional classroom settings may facilitate the economic optimization of music education. Consequently, advancements in computer music research and the expansion of the music industry have influenced the digital realm of music education. This study explores the various modes through which music education is facilitated digitally at Nigerian tertiary institutions, as well as the economic advantages of such an approach. The study focuses on Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), and data were collected using descriptive methods, observation, interviews and library resources. The paper investigates the evolving trends and reforms in music education within the context of digital media, emphasizing how digital communication tools transform and reshape the techniques, methods, and conceptions of contemporary music education at ACU. The findings demonstrate the efficacy and proficient application of Information and Communication Technology, as it facilitates rapid learning and assimilation for students, providing them with opportunities to work and teach music, as well as practice it as a performing art. Consequently, this endows them with digital presence and economic benefits.

Music education, digital economy and the fate of a music graduate in 21st century Nigeria

2024-08-07T11:33:20+00:00

Since the turn of the 21st century, technological innovations and digital advancements have made the world more closely knitted. The advent of the internet opened doors of access and opportunities that are beneficial to those who engage with it. It has therefore become imperative for students as well as graduates of music to familiarize themselves with the online trend. However, the fate of Nigerian music graduates in an economy where digitization is on a fast increase remains uncertain. There have been calls by music scholars for digitalised music classrooms as well as a review of the curriculum to accommodate the technological demands of the. However, research efforts aimed at documenting the experiences of graduates of music in the labour market are still scanty. Backed by the connectivism theory and narrative inquiry method, forty eight (48) music graduates were interviewed on music curriculum and their state of readiness for job opportunities that require digital expertise. Findings from the study reveals that digital skills are fast becoming an important job qualification as well as the hope for a thriving Nigerian workforce. Also, most music graduates are self-taught in respect to digital skills and the majority who are receptive to acquiring these skills are also advocating that tech-based courses are made compulsory in higher institutions.

Online music education: transforming the landscape of music learning and instruction in Nigerian tertiary institutions

2024-08-08T05:22:51+00:00

Music education in Nigerian tertiary institutions often faces challenges such as scarcity of trained music educators and inadequate infrastructure for music instruction. These limitations hinder the development of musical skills and knowledge among aspiring music scholars This study demonstrates the significant impact of online music education as potent resources in the digital era, reshaping the realm of music teaching and learning. The methodology employed in this study involved a qualitative approach. The findings of this study indicate that online music education has the potential to address some of the challenges faced by traditional music education in Nigeria and can go a long way in bridging the gap in access to qualified music teachers by providing remote instruction and resources to learners in under-served areas. The study concludes that online music education has the potential to transform music learning and instruction in Nigerian tertiary institutions thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches. Recommendations are proposed to promote effective online music education in Nigeria.

Digital technology and gospel music directing in the 21st century Nigeria

2024-08-08T05:30:00+00:00

Developments in science and technology have often resonated in the development of music in its compositional, performative, preservative; and/or distributive dimensions. Thus, music has often leveraged on breakthroughs in science and technology to enhance its creation, recording, performance and dissemination, even in 21st century Nigeria. While literature is replete with choral directing techniques as applicable to western choral scores, the use of digital technology in gospel music directing has not adequately engrossed scholarly discourse, especially, in Nigeria. This paper utilizes descriptive research method, internet sources and discography to discuss digital technology and gospel music directing in 21st century Nigeria, noting that digital technology has revolutionized song selection, personal practice, songs' dissemination, group rehearsals; and performance/presentation. Although the developments in digital technology challenges conventions in choral techniques, their inputs to gospel music directing in 21st century Nigeria calls for a review of choral directing procedure and practices in standard in choral directing literature.

Influence of digital economy on vocal music performance of Christian musicians in Nigeria

2024-08-08T05:37:59+00:00

This paper focuses on the influence of digital economy on vocal performance among Christian musicians. Undoubtedly, there has been a paradigm shift in the performance, production, distribution and promotion of music due to a greater reliance on the internet associated with the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the internet has promoted a greater patronage of the digital economy. Thus, the digital economy affords the Christian vocal performer a good opportunity to impact the world globally. Despite these prospects of the digital economy, some Christian vocal performers are oblivious about how to engage in it maximally while some of those involved have fallen into the pit of compromise and the dilution of the gospel message. How then does the Christian participate in the digital economy and make lasting impact while maintaining the integrity of their faith? With Femi Adedeji’s transformative musicology theory as a theoretical framework and a descriptive research design, the researchers highlight some trends in vocal performance and present an overview of the digital economy. They further discuss the influence of digital economy on vocal performance where the benefits and shortfalls are indicated. The way forward for the Christian musician in the midst of a digital economy is presented after which the paper comes to a conclusion. The researchers present among others, findings such as the place of authenticity as an idealistic goal in vocal performance, the trend of glossolalia in Christian vocal performance, opportunities for the Christian musician to perform music of other cultures with its accompanying versatility and opportunities of musical collaborations, and the use of vocal effects as a reinforcement in conveying the message of a song. With these in view, the researchers recommend that the Christian musicians should maximize the opportunities presented by the digital economy for global impact while being cautious not to jettison their faith in the process.

The impact of digital economy on Christian sacred musicology in Nigeria

2024-08-08T05:41:09+00:00

The objective of this paper is to examine how the prevailing digital economy has affected Christian sacred musicology in Nigeria in terms of pedagogy, research opportunities, methodology, administration, quality, publishing and marketing, with a view to assessing the impact and determine its implications. While the application of digital economy, occasioned by digital technology, has become global in the academia, its positive and negative impact on Christian sacred musicology as a field is yet to given adequate attention. Hinged on the Continuity and Change Theory, the paper relied on, bibliographic data, the Internet and insiders’ observation, all subjected to content analytical methods for determination and drawing of inferences. Findings revealed that digital economy is ambivalent to Christian sacred musicology; being a blessing on the one hand, and a curse on the other; as a substantial portion of today's Christian music pedagogy and research is digitalized and ‘internetted’. In addition, Christian music researchers on the digital space have to adjust to a new condition, as they are unable to capture the rural areas during fieldworks, especially due to paucity of funds and limitations in online transfer of funds. Consequently, Christian sacred musicological research faces some challenges because of the digital trends. It was also discovered that digital economy has further widened the already existing gap between the elite and non-elite, the rich and the poor, and between the Christians who reside in urban and the rural spaces such that the researcher of Christian music faces the need to master different digital spaces vis-à-vis the appropriate methods. The paper concluded that digital economy is more of a curse than a blessing to Christian sacred musicology and recommended a mitigation with analogue economy for all-inclusiveness and reliability purposes.

Traditional music in digital economy: challenges and benefits

2024-08-08T05:46:38+00:00

This work is an investigation into the state of traditional music in this period where every aspect of human endeavour including music is gearing towards digitization. Nigeria as a developing country has welcomed this innovation in her quest to measure up with the global world, irrespective of some obvious challenges associated with it. It is pertinent to interrogate how traditional music has responded to this seemingly ‘new normal’ both in functions and usages. While the work relies on information from literature, and personal observations, it anchors on Joseph Schumpeter’s theory of “creative destruction” which propounds that, long-standing practices be dismantled in order to make way for innovations. By implication, analogue should give way to digital operations to enhance greater economic opportunities. Observations showed that for traditional music to engage fully in the wave of digitization and continue to remain relevant in the global market, Schumpeter’s creative destruction theory must come into play, the possibility of some bizarre and or unhealthy consequences notwithstanding.

Examining the impact of digitalization on Nigerian art music composition: opportunities, challenges and solutions

2024-08-08T05:50:26+00:00

There have been significant changes in the creation, distribution, and global consumption of music due to advances in technology in the digital age. Despite these changes, the adaptability or compatibility of some musical activities is still considered to be slow. For instance, the. Nigerian art music has had a harder time adjusting to the digital world than others. Nigerian art music compositions are confronted with obstacles in terms of promotion, sales, and visibility in the online community. This study looks at the digitization of Nigerian art music compositions, analyzing the opportunities and problems associated with maintaining, sharing, and making money from these artistic creations. Through the use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, such as focus groups, observations, interviews, and literature review, this study explores the viewpoints, experiences, and difficulties Nigerian composers face navigating the digital world. The study is hinged on Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) developed by Vygotsky, Luria, and Leontiev.. Used as a premise, the study examines the numerous stakeholders and their roles in the digitalization process as it studies the complications of digitalization in Nigerian art music. Results emphasize how crucial digitization is to the preservation of native works, making them more widely available, and raising the profile of Nigerian art music compositions internationally. Composers can explore new creative opportunities, engage with a variety of audiences, and advance their careers to new heights by embracing digitalization. Obstacles including restricted availability to the state of the arts production instruments and conventional copyright frameworks impede Nigeria's ability to fully leverage its digitization potential. The study suggests working together with institutions, stakeholders, and composers to create reliable mechanisms for documenting and archiving Nigerian art music compositions

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

2024-08-08T05:54:05+00:00

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.