Comparative Investigation of Fine Arts High School Music Department Curricula in Turkey from Past to Present

Abstract

Fine arts high schools are schools that form the basis for vocational music education given in higher education institutions. These schools form the basis for higher institutions; therefore, it is of great importance that the contents of their curriculum be of a quality that will prepare them for higher education institutions. Based on this purpose, in this study, eight music department programs that have been reached in the fine arts high school music departments from their establishment to the present day were examined comparatively. Document analysis method was used in the data collection process of this case study model research, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The data obtained by document analysis were analyzed by content analysis. When the findings obtained from the research were examined, it was found that the most striking results were that the biggest change at the first and second-grade level was in the foreign language course, as a result of the separation of high schools as “Music” department, “Turkish Folk Music” department and “Turkish Art Music” department in 2016, the piano course at the third-grade level was only included in the third and fourth grades of the music curriculum, and the course, which was under the name of “choir” until 2005, was divided into “Western Music Choir” and “Turkish Music Choir” after 2005. Suggestions were given in line with the results of the research.