Ghanaian Drum Music in Postsecondary Education Panel

A two-part virtual panel discussion focusing on Ghanaian Drum Music in Postsecondary Education, chaired by Dr. Sylvanus Kwashie Kuwor (Visiting Professor, WLU, and LCMC Research Fellow). How do students develop core musical skills? Gain cultural understanding? How might Ghanaian music enhance music learning in postsecondary education?

Panel 1 (January 24, 2025) focused on exploring the impact of Ghanaian Drum Music on students' musical abilities, cultural understanding and learning. It featured:

• Dr. Curtis Andrews, Ethnomusicologist & Master Drummer (Memorial University)
• Dr. Samuel Elikem Nyamuame, Ethnomusicologist & Master Drummer (Binghamton University)
• Mr. Eric Baffour-Awuah, Music and Dance Anthropologist (University of Alberta)

Panel 2 (February 28, 2025) focused on pedagogies and teaching strategies, asking questions on culturally relevant pedagogies, adapting for global contexts, and techniques in teaching Ghanaian Drum Music effectively. The panel featured:

• Kathy Armstrong, Department of Music and Institute of African Studies (Carleton University)
• Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo, African Music and African Studies (UBC)
• Dr. Habib Chester Iddrisu, Ethnomusicology and Dance (University of Oregon)

Both panels had over 40 attendees logging in from around the globe. The panel discussions are part of a research project led by Dr. Kuwor in collaboration with LCMC on Ghanaian Drum Music pedagogies. Watch for more information on this project in the coming months.l