Music and Community in Jamaica: The Impact of Music Education in a Developing Nation
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Date
2015-03-25
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Abstract
Throughout history, music has been used to express thoughts, emotions, and ideas that are rooted in cultural perspectives. Since Jamaica declared its independence from England in 1962, the country has been plagued by violent crime, drug trafficking, poverty, and an unstable government and has struggled to create a unified national identity separate from that of the colonial system. Music, as is with any culture, has been an invaluable entity in helping to define the people of the once colonized nation. However, scholars point to a disconnect between the cultural music of Jamaica (e.g. ska, reggae, dance hall, et al.) and the music that is taught in the schools. This project, which I began in January 2014 in Mandeville, Jamaica, seeks to assess Jamaican music culture, evaluate public school music education, and determine the role of music education in Jamaican society. Data were collected through direct participation in Jamaican schools, community activities, and interviews. By working with the international volunteer organization, Projects Abroad, I was able to teach music at a local area high school and interview nine community members with varying backgrounds about the role and importance of music and music education to them, their communities, and Jamaica as a whole. Results suggest varying opinions on the state of music education in Jamaica and the implications it has on the whole community. The Jamaican government sees music as a subject that can be used to enhance math and literacy but many feel the subject matter fails to connect with the students on a personal level. This study elucidates music education at an international level and shows the importance of culturally relevant music education.
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Art/Architecture: 1st Place (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)
Keywords
Music Education, Jamaica, Community, Jamaican Education, Jamaican Culture