Abstract:
Generalist educators in South Africa shy away from music in the subjects Life Skills
(Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art, Physical Education and Personal and Social Wellbeing)
and Creative Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Art) and universities are not
delivering generalist students for the subject demands. In-service educators, as well as
subject advisors, often have had no music training. The twofold purpose of this study was
to determine the extent of challenges experienced in themusic component of Life Skills and
Creative Arts in South Africa and how this can best be dealt with. In the current study,mixed
methods research was conducted to ascertain the problems experienced with music tuition
in Life Skills and Creative Arts classrooms. It was found that generalist educators have to
teach music, whether they have the requisite skills or not. The subject has low status and is
frequently used as a filler subject for teachers. Lack of music knowledge, scarce resources,
limited support and ever-changing educators are some reasons for the absence of quality
music tuition. Mentoring by competent subject advisors and senior educators and the realignment
of school and university curricula will assist music in enjoying its rightful place
in the school curriculum.
