Electronic music devices and software in music teaching and learning at the department of performing arts, Kyambogo University

Abstract

This was a study to examine how Electronic Music Devices and Software (EMDS) were used to enhance music teaching/learning at the Department of Performing Arts, Kyambogo University. The study aimed to evaluate how available EMDS were utilized in teaching/learning music, examine the effect of use of EMDS in teaching/learning music, and find out the challenges that hampered utilization of EMDS in teaching/learning music. A mixed study design both qualitative and quantitative was used, where both the Laird’s Sensory Theory and the Peter Principle’s Theory were applied in trying to understand variables of the study. The response rate of 78 respondents (100%) participated, where purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used. The study employed questionnaire, interview, and document review, observation, and focus group discussion methods to collect data. Data was analyzed in themes, by coding and sorting similar responses. According to the findings, lecturers used the available EMDS to teach students both theory and practical skills in music, the use of EMDS had a positive effect on music teaching/learning, and inadequacy in knowledge, electricity power supply, internet connectivity, and virus attacks hampered the use of EMDS to teach/learn music. The study recommended; lecturers to be skilled more in using EMDS, timely repair of EMDS, and provision of alternative power supply to run EMDS continually. Further studies could be conducted to explore attitude of stake holders in using EMDS to teach/learn music