Music Schools and Programs in Ghana
Music Studies in Ghana
Post Office in Accra, GhanaStudying music in the scenic country of Ghana offers a unique perspective on the music discipline and an opportunity to explore a region of the world that is completely new and unfamiliar. Officially known as the Republic of Ghana, the West African nation was the first on the continent to achieve independence from European colonialism, breaking off ties with the United Kingdom in the spring of 1957. It is bordered to the south by the Gulf of Guinea, to the east by Togo, to the north by Burkina Faso and to the west by the Ivory Coast. Its capital and largest city is Accra.
Music Education in Ghana
Music is offered at either the degree or diploma level by the majority of universities in Ghana, including the largest institution, the University of Ghana, where it is offered at the undergraduate and graduate degree level. Although officially contained within the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, the degree programs in music are also designed to provide an in-depth history of West African music, along with the music of other regions throughout the world.The undergraduate degree program in Music typically spans four years or eight semesters for full time students, while the Master’s degree program requires an additional 18 months to two years to complete. The course offerings for the undergraduate program are varied, and include titles such as: Introduction to Music, Fundamentals of Music Theory, Contemporary Music in Ghana, Traditional Music in Ghana, Survey of History of Western Music, Introduction to Harmony and Counterpoint and a number of practical courses.
The required coursework in the Master’s degree program is designed to build upon the knowledge students have previously gained while earning their Bachelor’s degree in Music, with titles that include Diatonic Harmony, Chromatic Harmony, the Orchestra and Orchestral Techniques, and the Music of Central and West Africa. Elective coursework for the program allows students to focus their studies on a particular aspect of the music discipline, such as Ghanaian Popular Music, African Popular Music, Music of Southern Africa, Music of the Baroque and Classical Periods, Research Methodology in Music and Romantic and 20th Century Music.
Why Study Abroad in Ghana
Ghana is a great place in which to study and live. Here’s why:Ghana features a remarkably diverse and gorgeous landscape. In the Cape Coast and surrounding areas, for example, you’ll find secluded and pristine beaches, while In Tumale, in the Upper Volta region, you can explore the exciting sights and sounds of the elephant and hippo reserves. These natural and untouched landscapes are balanced by the modernity of Ghana’s larger cities, such as Accra and Kumasi, where you’ll encounter an abundance of shops restaurants and scores of bustling business and entertainment centers.
A sightseer’s paradise, Ghana is home to an abundance of notable sites, such as the Cape Cast Castle and Elmina Castle, former slave forts that have now been restored and transformed into museums, with exhibits that tell the horrific tales of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Kakum National Park is another popular site—a lush 375 square kilometer forested park in Central Ghana. It is home to jungle canopies, an exotic variety of flowers and plants, several species of monkeys, colorful birds and butterflies, and, at certain times of the year, forest elephants.
Ghana has a rich history and diverse culture, one that includes its own unique varieties of art, music, crafts, dance and language. As a student in the country, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore and become educated in this culture. For example, many cities offer language acquisition courses for foreign students, and in the Cape Coast region of the country, you can even take advantage of some of the African dance and drumming classes offered there. The country’s history and art is on display throughout Ghana, particularly at the country’s many museums, including the National Museum of Ghana, Volta Regional Museum and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum.
Finally, Ghana offers its own fresh and delectable take on cuisine. From the national dish of the country, called Fufu, to meals made from fried plantains, fresh fruit and delicious fish varieties, the cuisine in Ghana is truly unique and an exciting adventure in taste.