THE PERFORMING ARTS IN GHANAIAN EDUCATION: JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND

Throughout history, in all cultures, music has been an integral part of human life. Music researchers have found correlations between music making and some of the deepest workings of the human brain. But Ghana’s education policy makers have failed to give music the requisite attention so as to make it attractive for students to choose it as a discipline. The writer intends to draw the attention of education policy makers to the fact that if the performing arts were considered serious school subjects with viable career options some children may opt for them while at the same time serving to preserve our rich culture. In this paper the writer will review relevant documentations that emphasize the importance of music, dance and drama and draw his conclusions based on what both professional and amateur musicians produce in terms of music, dance and drama in the education sector and the music and drama industry in general. It is hoped this paper will redirect educational planners to effect positive changes in the teaching and learning of the performing (creative) arts