Type: Lecture
Language: Greek
Year of Publication: 1966
Description:
In this paper, Yorgos Sicilianos explores the critical issue of music education in Greek secondary schools, underlining the deficiencies in both the curriculum and teacher training. He points out that according to Article 14, paragraph 1 of Royal Decree 651/1964, the purpose of music education in secondary schools is to refine students’ musical sensibilities. This is complemented by learning songs of national, religious, and moral content and listening to suitable music from records or tapes, accompanied by brief analyses from the teacher.
Sicilianos raises concerns about how these analyses should be conducted and which school songs should be taught. He questions how teachers can engage students without reducing the lesson to mere entertainment or presenting dry theoretical knowledge. The problem, he argues, has two aspects: the content to be taught and the theoretical training of music teachers. He highlights the inadequacies of current teacher training, noting that many music teachers lack systematic and scientific-pedagogical training and are not up-to-date with modern teaching methods. Sicilianos advocates for the establishment of a State Professional School for music teachers and intensive re-education seminars for current teachers. He also calls for the formation of a consultative body within the Ministry of Education to address and oversee music education issues comprehensively. His vision includes the creation of a permanent musical tradition in Greece, emphasizing the social role of art in fostering a civilized community.
This lecture was presented on 25 May 1966 at the Art Club of the Macedonian Art Society “Art,” in a public discussion termed Music in Education.