Panagiota Papageorgiou

2nd Elementary School of Tavros

Abstract

The inclusion of world musics in school music education has long been supported by many music educators and ethnomusicologists for various musical, social, educational, and other reasons. This paper examines the impact of a world music program on elementary school students. The findings indicate that the study of world musics arouses the students’ curiosity and motivates their love of learning. It enhances their musical knowledge as well as their knowledge about the diverse cultures of the world, and improves their skills. It introduces novel experiences and involves varied activities, which excite the children and increase their participation in the musical processes. Overall, world musics inject joy into the classroom and make the lesson a fun experience. Teaching world musics is also beneficial for the music teacher, as it kindles his/her desire for new knowledge and research, broadens his/her musicality, and reinvigorates his/her teaching creativity. In conclusion, a world music program that uses a variety of activities, provides multiple experiences, and is combined with a cultural study offers many and important benefits to both students and teacher.