Must gives music push – The Times Group

Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) has breathed more life into the music spine as its senate has approved the introduction of a Master of Arts in Music at the Bingu School of Culture and Heritage.

Bingu School of Culture and Heritage says on its website that the development marks the first time that a Malawian university has come in to offer an advanced degree in music.

The school’s executive Dean Atikonda Mtenje Mkochi said the programme comes in to offer advanced specialised training for music practitioners through three pathways, namely Applied Ethno musicology Music Technology and Enterprise and Creativity and Performance.

“Each pathway integrates industry-relevant skills and knowledge, allowing students to engage with the most pertinent materials, technologies and methodologies in their fields,” Mtenje Mkochi said.

She added that the three pathways cater to diverse career goals, allowing students to choose a path that aligns with their aspirations, leading to more significant employment or self-employment satisfaction and flexibility.

Bingu School of Culture and Heritage Head of African Musicology Ignasio Jimu said the programme will provide solutions to the challenges in the local and African music industries, with a strong focus on sustainability and nation building.

Jimu said that the Masters degree will focus on cultural heritage preservation, talent development, community engagement and research.

“This is all about fostering a robust and resilient music industry that contributes to broader social and economic growth in Malawi and beyond,” he said.

The school plans to recruit its first post graduate students for the programme in July 2025.

The creative industry seems to be getting the limelight now as University of Malawi early this year also introduced six arts degrees including music.

Musicians Union of Malawi (Mum) which last year signed a Memorundum of Understanding with the university yesterday welcomed the development.

“This is huge and a welcome development for the music industry. This will help a lot in skills development. Artists need formal education to advance their music techniques,” Mum leader Vita Chirwa said.

He said with the landscape changing, the Masters Degree is vital in helping Malawian artists grow in their artistry and compete on the international platform.

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