By Harold Ayodo

Traditional professional courses have been the dream of university students.

Most parents still want their children to pursue degrees in Architecture, Medicine, Engineering and Law.

Few would, until recently, pay fees for their children to study courses in music. Global institutions of higher learning argue there is a connect between music, disciplines and management of corporate firms.

Experts argue music increases concentration in class, releases tension, and improves on the power of intelligence.

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Daystar University (DU) is among the institutions cashing in on students with the desire to pursue degrees in music.

Daystar University Senior Lecturer Florence Ngale Miya with Evelyne Kwamboka a music student at the institution. Photo Evans Habil/Standard

DU senior lecturer in music Florence Miya says myriad reasons explain the demand. Dr Miya says more universities in the West require qualifications in music as part of eligibility requirements.

Study Medicine

"We have students who want to study medicine in the US and Britain but they must know how to play the piano before admission," Miya says.

Miya says overseas varsities require prospective students of medicine to acquire at least Grade Six in playing the piano and Grade Five in theory.

A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education certificate is required to enrol for a certificate, a C- for diploma and C+ for a degree.

Miya who says the varsity charges 10 per cent less fee compared to other courses, says former students are reaping benefits. DU alumni of the music department are eking a living as music instructors, researchers, artist managers, producers and composers.

Mr Tonny Muthiani, who holds a certificate in music from DU, says the six-month, Sh83,000 course puts meals on his table.

Ms Evelyne Kwamboka, who is pursuing a degree in music at the institution, has produced three gospel CDs.

Play Instruments

Miya, who has a PhD in music, says blue chip firms in developed countries want chief executive officers who can play instruments.

She adds the influx of the local film industry attracts foreign producers who want to work with qualified players of music instruments. She says established hospitals in the West have adopted music therapy for patients. "Research has shown classical music aids patients of Parkinson’s disease in talking and moving their limbs," Miya says.

Muthiani is among the lucky few whose parents encouraged their endeavours in music. Miya says offering the course is demanding arguing lessons like piano require a one on one contact with the student. There is a lack of all round music scholars in public and private universities for various reasons.