TEACHING CAREER

years, we can decide on the total number of students per intake. Every year we receive more than 1,000 applications from throughout the country,” Mohd Hassan added.

Apart from educating future music teachers, the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts at UPSI conducts research to acquire new knowledge in the field of music as well as find solutions to issues in music education.

“We also organise many musical activities such as performances, music competitions, workshops and talks.”

UiTM students, Huzaifah Yukirin, 24, and Mohamad Danial Mohd Nazrin, 22, not only share a love for music but also a passion for teaching it.

Inspired by her music teacher to become one herself, Huzaifah said: “Music is universal as everyone loves music. We are exposed to different genres but getting the young ones to appreciate music is difficult. And that is where I come in.”

Huzaifah is doing her practical at SK Section 18, Shah Alam.

For Mohamad Danial, both his parents who are teachers inspired him to follow in their footsteps.

“I pursued a diploma course in music where I studied the fundamentals. Then I enrolled in the Bachelor in Music Education programme. I have 18 months to go before I become a teacher,” said Mohamad Danial, who majors in traditional Malay instruments.

He hopes to change the perception of music teachers in society. “Teaching is a noble vocation and music can bring people from different cultural backgrounds and countries together.”