Liberian music teachers receive training

Selected from Montserrado County, the teachers had sessions conducted by Martina Vasil, Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Kentucky, United States with the support of Liberia's Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM)

“I hopeful that they are able to bring instruments in the classroom and successfully use them for their students because they explained to me that students only learn theory and not practical, and I hope they can understand that music education can be more active, you don’t go to theory first but create the practical experience and interest before theory,” said Vasil. “The is a prospect for Liberian music if more attention is given teachers and musical institutions because the participants are excited."

ANAM's executive director Sampson Tarpeh said the training was certain to improve the teaching methods of the trainees. “They learned new and modern way of teaching music which is to teach kids in an artful and playful way, creating an environment where they want to come back again,” he said.

Tarpeh added that the session might take place yearly subsequently, the teachers having expressed satisfaction with the first programme. 

“It was very good for us because it provided education for us; I am going to my church to implement what I learned,” said one music teacher who urged Liberian acts to take up classical music for its international appeal. Another participant nudged fellow participants to coach those who were not part of the training.

The Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM) trains persons involved in worship and art-leadership. Members developing young leaders to lead the music and worship programs of churches and other religious organisations, educational institutions, and community organizations.

"Praise be to God Almighty for the level of achievement," Nathan Musicman Juah, one of the participants, posted on social media. "I'm now a train musician and a qualified music instructor."