Transmitting Cultural Identity in Schools through Traditional Music: A Case Study of Three Districts in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Traditional music may be used to transmit and preserve cultures of various societies in schools. To address the above concern, the researcher carried out a study on traditional music performances in three Zimbabwean districts. The study employed a qualitative approach. Audio visual recordings, interviews and questionnaires were used for data collection. The population comprised members from three districts and music teachers from the selected schools. The study revealed that music education may be of meaningful value to societies when local traditional songs are used. The study also disclosed that traditional music plays a pivotal role in instilling the expected norms, values and standards in children.  Respondents advocated that traditional songs should be taught to young generations because, through these, the young can learn the behaviour they are expected of, to become functional members of the society. The research recommends that local traditional songs should be used in teaching music. What is taught in schools should be culturally relevant to and affirming of the students’ lived realities. The school authorities should encourage the inclusion of local traditional songs in music instruction. Teachers and parents should also work together to transmit culture through generations using oral and literal means.