Keywords
students’ perceptions
student voice
curriculum implementation
music education in Cyprus
How to Cite
Abstract
This study explores students’ perceptions, attitudes, and suggestions regarding music education in Cyprus Music Schools, highlighting the cultural context of their learning and the future directions they envision. As student voice becomes increasingly crucial in shaping curricula, understanding how students experience their musical studies is essential for designing relevant and meaningful educational practices. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended questionnaires from 128 upper-secondary students across the five Cyprus Music Schools. Thematic analysis showed that students highly value performance-based and collaborative subjects, such as individual lessons, ensembles, and concerts, which they see as central to their musical and personal growth. Experiences connected to Cyprus’s musical heritage, including Byzantine and traditional music, received mixed responses, suggesting a need to better integrate cultural content with students’ current interests. Students also expressed clear ideas for shaping the future of music education, including broader instrumental and genre options, more creative subjects, and greater inclusion of contemporary musical practices. These suggestions reflect a desire for a curriculum that both respects Cyprus’s cultural identity and supports students’ evolving musical aspirations. The findings offer guidance for culturally responsive and future-oriented curriculum development in Cyprus Music Schools, underscoring the importance of incorporating student perspectives into educational decision-making.
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