Reclaiming Cultural Futures

Why Community-Based Musical Arts Education Must Become Central to Cultural Sustainability in Underdeveloped Countries

Abstract

Indigenous cultural heritage in many underdeveloped countries is facing threats of globalization, urbanization, cultural homogenization and the legacy of colonial education. Indigenous musical traditions are one of the most fragile cultural resources that are vital to cultural identity, social memory, the transmission of intergenerational knowledge, and community cohesion. The aim of this paper is to explore the role of community-based musical arts education in cultural sustainability. Based on the current literature in the fields of music education, cultural heritage studies, and sustainable development, the paper posits that community-based musical arts education is an effective means of preserving and revitalizing indigenous musical traditions. It challenges the formal music teaching in schools, such as the Western-based syllabuses, examination-oriented education, lack of resources and weak relation to local culture. The paper also illustrates through case studies how community learning spaces, apprenticeship systems, oral pedagogies, festivals and cultural practices are used to pass on indigenous knowledge from one generation to the next. It concludes that community based musical arts education should be accepted as a key element to cultural sustainability as it reinforces cultural identity, indigenous knowledge systems, social cohesion, youth empowerment and sustainable community development which formal music education  can build on.