History and State of Music Education in Seychelles

Description

History and State of Music Education in Seychelles is a book written by John Chitambo who, after working and living in the Seychelles, took keen interest to observe the status quo regarding music education. The four years he lived and worked in the country provided him with a clear understanding of music education in the island. Music is often regarded as less important in comparison to other subjects and most children find it difficult to choose music as a life career. The main drivers of the economy in the Seychelles are tourism, fishing and agriculture. In schools, science, hotel and tourism, and mathematics are highly regarded academic disciplines; thus, most youths choose hotel and tourism in the hope of getting employment after they graduate. This book documents an investigation conducted regarding the history and state of music education in Seychelles. It explores how music is taught in schools and how music teachers are trained in the country, as well as key historical figures in the field, going back to the French and British colonial days to today’s musical practices in Seychelles. The book also discusses Sega and Moutia music genres and dances, practiced in the country, as well as their place in the community and schools. It further examines the general perceptions of parents, staff, students, government officials, head-teachers and the public regarding music education in Seychelles.

This book is a must-read for music educators and music education policymakers in Africa and beyond [Prof. Mellitus N. Wanyama, PhD, HSC; Professor of Music (Ethnomusicology and African Musicology) & Dean, School of Music and Media, Kabarak University, Kenya].

John Chitambo is currently serving as Head of Preparatory Music Department at Marlborough College Malaysia, a British International School in Malaysia. He began his international teaching career at International School of Lusaka, Zambia before moving to Baobab School in Gaborone, Botswana (2010-2016). He later served as Head of Music Department at International School of Seychelles (2016-2019). John holds a Master’s Degree in Music education (MMus) from European University Cyprus (Cyprus), Bachelor Honours Degree (BMus. Hon) from University of Pretoria (South Africa); and Music Teachers’ Diploma from Evelyn Hone College of Applied Arts and Commerce in Lusaka (Zambia) where he majored in piano and saxophone. He is also certified in violin performance by Trinity College London. John was elected Vice President of the Eastern African Region of the Pan-African Society for Musical Arts Education – PASMAE – ISMAE (2017 -2019) and served as a Chairperson for the July 2019 International Music Education Conference hosted by the government of Seychelles.