Acoustics in African Music Instrument Technology: Training the Baton Bearer for Sustenance in Music Education in Nigeria

Abstract

With sparsely programs in musical acoustics located and taught throughout the country’s institutions, the role of teaching music acoustics in higher education has received no attention with less trained teachers/educators, which has also become a controversial issue among scholars exploring that aspect of education. This paper shows ideological-opinions on integrating acoustics trained educators in African music instrument technology into the curriculum, since its technology invariably stress on acoustics which is an integral part of music technology and African music instrument technology alike. Teachers possess the power to create conditions that can help students learn a great deal—or keep them from learning much at all. Teaching is an intentional act of creating those conditions according to Parker Palmer, (1998). The technology of any musical instrument is to satisfy the ear and heart acoustically speaking, for each musical instrument ranging from western instrument to the traditional African instrument has its technology, its sound, pitch, frequency and vibrations likewise these instrument vary in pitch, sound, frequency, tonal reflection, texture and color. This paper constantly explores these issues through qualitative interviews and observations with teachers and scholars on training the baton bearer in African musical acoustics for sustenance in music education in Nigeria.