Training issues in western choral and sight singing in selected primary schools in Muhanga town council Rukiga district, Uganda

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring the training issues in western choral and sight singing in selected primary schools in Muhanga town council Rukiga district. The study assessed the learners’ competence in western choral and sight singing, evaluated teachers’ competence in using various requisite skills of western choral and sight singing training and appraised the effect of incentives on the learning of western choral and sight singing. The study utilized qualitative approach using three categories of respondents; music teachers, school administrators and learners using interviews, focus group discussions, documentary reviews and observation methods. Data was analyzed using content thematic analysis. The study revealed that learners are not proficient in choral singing, rote method of training is employed, teachers do not make preparations for the training of choral singing and incentives given during choral singing have boosted learning achievement. The study recommends that education policy makers should make necessary effort in curriculum review with emphasis on western choral and sight singing, provision of vocal and instrumental lessons to learners in class, organization of refresher courses for music teachers, increasing teachers’ awareness about the significance of co-curricular activities and including music among examinable subjects at PLE level.