Effect of Christian Related Music on Choice of Music as a Study Subject by Muslim Students in Mombasa County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content of the secondary school music curriculum to establish the effect of the presence of Christian related music in the curriculum on the choice of Music as a study subject by Muslim students in Mombasa County, Kenya. The study used a survey research design. The sample population consisted of 27 participants as follows: 2 music teachers, 8 students, 8 parents, 1 Kenya Institute Curriculum Development Officer at the national level, 1 Quality Assurance and Standard Officer and 7 career masters. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussion, which was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings show that Christian beliefs compete with Islamic beliefs thus Muslim students find it offensive to pursue the subject and learn Christian related music and values therein. In conclusion, Christianity and Islamic beliefs are two dominant religions that are competing rather than complementing religions; Muslim students find it hard to pursue music subject due to the elements of Christian related music in the curriculum. The study recommends that the choice of music subject by Muslim students is dependent on the provision of Islamic music in the music curriculum and must be incorporated to attract their enrolment.