ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a discussion on the place of creativity and composition in the music curricula in primary and secondary school education in South Africa. In primary schools, improvisation and creativity are described as an exploration of sound and other music concepts and are based on the methodologies of Orff, Kodály, Dalcroze, and Pestalozzi. In contrast, music as a subject in secondary schools in South Africa requires higher levels of music literacy and a knowledge of composition techniques from a musical canon. In this chapter, the author presents and discusses pedagogies and texts that support teaching and learning in and through creativity in music education, which are applicable to South African curricula. The author also reflects on how composition and creativity in the secondary school curriculum have changed over time. Finally, the author suggests ways in which composition in secondary school could be enhanced for learners to find their creative voice.
