Togo Collège Curriculum - Optional Subjects

Music

Music education in Togo has a rich history, deeply rooted in tradition. Before colonization, musical knowledge was passed down through generations via enculturation, with children learning songs from their mothers, and during ceremonies like weddings, religious rites, and funerals. Griots, the guardians of traditional songs, played a crucial role, particularly in the North and center of Togo, using instruments like the tchimou and ngoni. Voodoo convents also served as structured learning environments for religious songs and instruments like the gon and rattle.

The arrival of Westerners in the 19th century significantly altered Togolese musical practices. German missionaries introduced hymns, choirs, and the harmonium, encouraging locals to abandon their traditional music. Following the 1975 education reform, music became part of the curriculum alongside arts, crafts, physical education, and domestic science, primarily to instill discipline through rhythmic exercises. However, it was often treated as an optional subject due to a lack of instruments and qualified teachers, with some exceptions like the Collège Notre Dame des Apôtres and the Collège Protestant in the capital. The curriculum focused on Western music history, singing, solfege, and music theory. Choirs, often led by passionate teachers without formal music training, were common in secondary schools. Neither of Togo's two public universities in Lomé and Kara has a dedicated music department, leading to a shortage of qualified music teachers. Some Togolese pursue music education in Ghana, France, or Germany. The University of Lomé offers music education through its choir, Avenir, which performs at national events.

Private music instruction is available, with centers like La Belle Mélodie offering lessons in piano, saxophone, guitar (classical and modern), singing, and music theory. La Belle Mélodie has a partnership with the Conservatoire d’Angoulême in France, receiving sheet music and other resources. The academy also sends a music teacher to Lomé twice a year. Non-profit organizations like Carrefour international des randonneurs au Togo (CIR Togo) in Kpalimé and Amecaa Association in Lomé offer internships in percussion and traditional dance. Churches also play a role, with choirs teaching singing and some Presbyterian churches offering instruction in brass instruments. Newer charismatic churches have established music groups where members learn modern instruments. However, the lack of a cultural policy and financial support from the Ministry of Culture hinders the development of a dedicated music school for training professionals, and the Westernization of music has led to the neglect of traditional instruments and songs.

Ewé

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Kabyè

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Russian

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Sewing

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Drawing

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