Beyond the Blueprint: Tailoring Research Frameworks to Music Theory and Composition Scholarship in Ghana

Abstract: This article presents a detailed framework, or blueprint, for revolutionizing music scholarship in Ghana. This framework encourages the use of a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches in areas such as performance, composition, analysis, and portfolio-based research. The blueprint is based on decolonial and inclusive ideas, aiming to challenge the dominant Eurocentric paradigms that have influenced African music education. It advocates for a transition toward frameworks that value indigenous knowledge systems and cultural settings. The argument posits that promoting a fair and dynamic academic environment necessitates flexibility in academic structures, such as embracing various thesis formats and transdisciplinary techniques. This paper provides philosophical arguments, practical examples, and empirical evidence to advocate for the reevaluation of music education methodologies in African institutions, highlighting the significance of diverse scholarly practices. The design aims to synchronize music programs with the diverse cultural history of the continent, enabling researchers to make distinctive contributions to the global music conversation while staying connected to their roots.