Original Research

The power of musical sound and its implications for primary education in South Africa: An experiential discussion

Christina Auerbach, Alette Delport
The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa | Vol 10, No 2 | a95 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/td.v10i2.95 | © 2014 Christina Auerbach, Alette Delport | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 26 February 2016 | Published: 30 November 2014

About the author(s)

Christina Auerbach, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Alette Delport, Faculty of Education, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

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Abstract

In this article, the power of musical sound and its transformative effects on human beings are explored, as perceived since ancient times and discussed in recent literature. An evolving research project is then reviewed, with a group of primary school children from disadvantaged backgrounds with no prior formal musical training.

In essence, the aim of the study in progress is to determine how musical sound can be used to facilitate mindfulness, develop wholeness and facilitate the holistic growth of young South African learners, especially those from deprived backgrounds.

Initial findings suggest that when musical sound experiences are included in everyday education of young learners, there are moments of joy, spontaneity, a sense of unity and well-being. The listening capacity of the children in the group has refined and performance levels at school have improved.


Keywords

Musical sound; music education; mindfulness; healing; wholeness; South Africa

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