Tertiary music education in South Africa : meeting the needs of music students and the music industry

Abstract

This study attempted to determine how tertiary music education programmes are assisting graduates in their quest to enter the plethora of music careers available within the broad music industry. Initial research was conducted into the structure of the music industry and the viability of a career within it. Published research was consulted to determine the tastes of music consumers both locally and internationally. This was done to ascertain what is currently generating the most money through sales of recordings. Various Government policy documents were interrogated to determine their expectations of higher education and of music education within higher education. International studies were also inspected to determine international tertiary music education trends. A sample group, consisting of various members within the broad music industry – ranging from performers to executives to employers and more – was established to determine, through structured interviews, what the music industry needs of graduates articulating into the music industry are. The information gathered was then used to create a set of criteria against which all 4-year, 480-credit BMus degrees currently offered in South Africa were assessed. The results of this assessment were used to determine how well BMus qualifications are preparing graduates for the modern music industry.