In Kenya's diverse landscape of music education, numerous institutions tout their excellence. Why, then, did we embark on creating yet another music school? In this article, we aim to elucidate the imperative reasons that compelled the establishment of Cheza Music School and the unmet needs it strives to address:
1. Quality Control
One of the foremost concerns we identified is the absence of rigorous quality control in many music schools across Kenya. While most schools employ teachers with varying levels of musical prowess, not all of them are proficient educators. Some excel as musicians but fall short as instructors, and few have formal training in the field of education.
It's crucial to recognize that musical proficiency doesn't automatically translate into effective teaching skills. This underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive quality control standards. These standards should encompass precise guidelines for teachers' approaches to instructing students of different age groups. Moreover, there should be an articulated framework for handling student feedback, and concerns, and a mechanism to assess individual student progress.
At Cheza Music, we take this matter seriously. Our commitment to quality extends to monthly training sessions for our educators. We closely monitor their teaching activities and foster clear communication channels for students and parents to convey any concerns or feedback.
2. Home Lessons
The demand for home-based music lessons is often overlooked, but it's an essential aspect of providing inclusive and flexible education. While many students and parents can attend physical schools, some prefer the convenience of having music instruction conducted within the comfort of their homes. This approach not only saves time but also offers a more personal and tailored learning experience, recognizing that the journey of mastering music can be an extended and rewarding one.
Cheza Music initially started as a provider of home music lessons, sending our experienced teachers to the locations most convenient for our students. This unique service extends to other institutions such as churches and schools. As previously emphasized, our unwavering commitment to quality ensures that lessons maintain their high standards, and student progress is carefully monitored.
3. Embracing Technology
In an era dominated by technology, educational institutions must adapt to meet the demands of students and teachers. Physical documents and folders are no longer sufficient, and students and educators alike require easy access to essential information, such as timetables, fee statements, and reports.
The global Covid-19 pandemic has hastened the transition towards digital education. Schools need to adjust and equip their teachers to deliver online lessons effectively. Recognizing this need, Cheza Music School has developed a well-designed portal that streamlines various activities, providing convenience for both teachers and students. This tech-savvy approach enhances the performance of educators and the satisfaction of students, contributing to a more successful overall music education experience.
Cheza Music School offers online classes to students outside of Nairobi and to those who prefer the flexibility of virtual lessons in place of traditional in-person instruction.
4. Transparency and Accountability
Transparency is an essential component of building trust between students, their families, and their educators. At Cheza Music School, we go the extra mile by ensuring that students have access to the qualifications and credentials of their instructors. All our teachers have their CVs hosted in Kenya's largest musicians' database, muske.co.ke. This platform allows students to rate their teachers and establish direct communication with them, further fostering trust and enhancing the student-teacher relationship.
5. Comprehensive Learning Resources
We recognize that students need the right learning materials to thrive. As part of our dedication to quality control, we ensure that our teachers are equipped with the appropriate resources for each age group, and we facilitate students' access to these materials for practice. Assignments are conveniently printed by teachers to enhance the ease of use and encourage diligent practice.
6. Exam Preparation and Certification
Considering all of the above, we take a comprehensive approach to preparing students for examinations and certifications. Cheza Music School not only guides students through the process of exam registration but also ensures they are thoroughly prepared for the assessments. We provide the necessary support to facilitate their exams and guarantee a seamless experience, from registration to the receipt of their certificates.
In summary, Cheza Music School was born from a profound commitment to addressing the unmet needs in music education, striving to set new standards of excellence. We invite students and aspiring musicians to embark on this musical journey with us, leveraging our dedication to quality, flexibility, transparency, and the latest technological advancements in education.