Togo Secondary School Subjects - Music

Music education in Togo is deeply rooted in tradition, with knowledge passed down through generations via enculturation. Before colonization, children learned songs from their mothers and during ceremonies like weddings and funerals. Griots, often accompanied by instruments like the tchimou or ngoni, served as keepers of musical history and oral tradition, particularly in northern and central Togo. Voodoo convents also played a role as structured music education environments, where initiates learned religious songs and instrument playing.

Western influence significantly impacted Togolese music education. In the 19th century, German missionaries introduced hymns, choirs, and the harmonium, encouraging the adoption of Western musical forms. Following the 1975 education reform, music became part of the school curriculum, alongside arts, crafts, physical education, and domestic science, primarily to instill discipline through rhythmic exercises. However, music remained an optional subject in middle and high schools, often lacking instruments and qualified teachers. Denominational schools in the capital, such as Collège Notre Dame des Apôtres (NDA) and the Collège Protestant, were exceptions. The theoretical focus was primarily on Western music history, singing, solfege, and music theory. Choirs, typically led by passionate teachers rather than qualified music instructors, were common in secondary schools.

Neither of Togo's two public universities in Lomé and Kara have dedicated music departments, leading to a shortage of qualified music teachers. Those who do teach music are often trained in Ghana, France, or Germany. The University of Lomé offers music education through its Avenir choir, accessible to a select group of students and performing at national events.

While there is no state-run music school, private tutors and training centers like La Belle Mélodie offer instruction. Founded in 1992 by David Coquerel, La Belle Mélodie provides lessons in piano, saxophone, guitar (classical and modern), singing, and music theory. A partnership with the Conservatoire d’Angoulême in France provides resources and occasional visiting instructors. 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 significant role, with choirs prevalent and some Presbyterian churches teaching brass instruments. Newer charismatic churches have formed music groups where members learn modern instruments like piano, guitar, and drums.