Music Education in Montenegro

I. Political Framework. 2

II. School System and Structure. 3

III. Music Education in Schools. 8

IV. Music Curricula. 9

I. Political Framework

Montenegro is considered a parliamentary representative democratic republic, with the seat of government centred in the capital city, Podgorica. The country declared its independence from "Serbia and Montenegro" on June 3, 2006. More information here.

The legislation on education is passed by the Assembly (Parliament) of the Republic of Montenegro, and the Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for all the important aspects of pre-school, elementary, secondary and higher education.

The elementary school is founded as a public institution in state ownership, while elementary schools for artistic education, elementary schools for adults and secondary schools, as public institutions, can be founded in state, private or mixed ownership. Pre-schools can be established as state, private, mixed and cooperative ownership institutions.

The teaching staff must be adequately qualified: hold a university degree and pass the professional (state) examination for teaching. Education is free except for textbooks and accessories the cost of which is borne by the family. The Republic apportions around 30% of its revenues to finance education and invest in school buildings and maintenance.

Elementary and secondary schools in Montenegro provide instruction in line with the unique curricula and syllabuses prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Science which are frequently updated to conform to the requirements of modern times. The reform of schooling is under way.

II. School System and Structure

Primary Education (compulsory age 6-14)

Primary education lasts for nine years. It has been extended downwards, which means that children start primary school one year earlier. The nine-year primary education will be divided into three cycles, each one lasting three years.

Goals for primary education:

·      to provide general education for the overall population;

·      to educate creative personalities of broad perspectives and to arouse physical, mental, aesthetic and moral development;

·      to master the foundation of general education which can be compared to the appropriate levels of education in Europe which will represent the basis for long-lasting learning and self-education;

·      to develop critical thinking, independence and interest in acquiring new knowledge;

·      to prepare students for independent judgement and participation in social life;

·      to acquire general and useful knowledge to prepare them to contribute to the social and natural environment in an independent, efficient and creative way;

·      to enable pupils to develop their personalities in accordance with their development abilities and patterns;

·      to educate pupils to respect national values, history and culture as well as the cultural and other characteristics of the other peoples;

·      to educate for mutual tolerance, respect for diversity and cooperation with others, to respect human rights and basic freedoms and thus develop abilities for life in a democratic society;

·      to possess a knowledge of the basic laws of nature, the development of society and human health;

·      to develop democratic opinions, tolerance and cooperation (at school and outside);

·      to respect each child’s individuality;

·      to make and encourage a healthy way of living and a responsible attitude towards the natural environment. (The book of changes of the Education system of the Republic of Montenegro 2001: 45, 46).

Secondary education (optional - age 15-19)

Secondary education is provided in grammar schools, vocational schools and art schools. The curricula in Serbia and Montenegro are adopted by the ministers of education with the prior consent of the education councils of both republics. Grammar schools offer general education in social studies and science. They also prepare for further education, in post-secondary schools or universities. By completing grammar school students acquire a four-form secondary education. Upon completion of secondary school pupils take the final examination (matura, baccalaureate).

Secondary vocational schools offer both general and vocational (practical and theoretical) education for direct entry to both the world of work and further education. The vocational qualification is acquired at the level of first form and second form, then third and fourth form and specialization after secondary education lasting one year. Secondary art schools offer courses in the fields of music, art and ballet. The following structure of vocational education is proposed: lower vocational education (to last two years); middle vocational education (to last three or four years); upper vocational education (to last two years, as a continuance of middle vocational education). More information can be found here.

III. Music Education in Schools

Music education is realised through performing, listening and creative activities with possibilities for affective, psychomotor, cognitive, aesthetic and social development. Musical learning in the mentioned activities is the basis for development of musical abilities, skills and knowledge.

IV. Music Curricula

Table 1: Music hours per week in 9-year primary school

Table 2: Basic music activities in 9-year primary school

Table 3: Music hours per week in secondary school (gymnasium)

Musical aims are focused on developing:

·      pupils’ interest in music;

·      knowledge of musical history, forms and composers;

·      knowledge of the national musical heritage;

·      knowledge of musical theory and musical expressive elements;

·      singing and playing examples from musical literature;

·      participating in public and cultural life.