Towards a Strategic Policy Formulation for Enhanced Music Directing and Ensemble Management in Nigeria

Abstract

Policies in music are results of systematic procedures that culminate in blueprints that aid the smooth running of ensembles, for immediate or long-term impacts. The solidity of an enterprise is not solely dependent on financial strength, staffing and facilities, but also on policies that serve as checkmate. In most Nigerian music ensembles, policies are nearly nonexistent, and even when there are, they are not scripted. The paper is a response to this lapse, that is, drawing the attention of ensemble administrators to formulate ideal policies that can be domesticated for use. The paper elicits data from interviews and observation of randomly selected ensemble leaders. Findings from the study reveal that policies are essential to ensembles in maximizing potentials and creating more positive images for the music group. It is recommended that ensemble leaders in both sacred and secular domains should strive to formulate and implement such policies.

Keywords

• music directing
• ensemble management
• policy
• music conducting
• nigerian music