Music education unit standards for southern Africa : a model and its application in a general music appraisal programme

Abstract

In the process of reform and development in South Africa, set in motion after its first democratic elections (1994), educators have the unique opportunity to re¬think, re-plan and re-structure the music education system holistically within the context of formulating unit standards now required by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for all learning areas. This thesis addresses two aspects in this process, against the background of the broader MEUSSA (Music Education Unit Standards for Southern Africa) Research Project, namely the development of a model for music education in Southern Africa and its application in a General Music Appraisal Programme (GMAP) for all learners. The MEUSSA Model, developed in this thesis, captures and displays the key elements necessary to compile unit standards across the board in music education, as identified by the author and endorsed by the MEUSSA team. These standards are grouped together in a musically logical way under collective headings. The three-dimensional model in the form of a cube can be manipulated according to the needs of the specific music practice involved, at the same time keeping the broader context of music education in Southern Africa in perspective. The MEUSSA Model is intended by the author to keep the standards generating process together cohesively. The author implements the MEUSSA Model in the GMAP, which she compiled with the aim of providing a general music education background for all learners in Southern Africa. The learning outcomes (unit standards) address music-¬specific skills, knowledge and attitudes with their related assessment criteria.