USING FINALE NOTATION SOFTWARE IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF SIGHT-READING AT FOSO COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

ABSTRACT This study set out to examine the effectiveness of FinaleNotation Software in helping music students of the Foso College of Education in overcoming their Sight-Reading challenges. A cross-sectional design was adopted to study 25 students from the Foso College of Education who served as the key informants for the study. Questionnaire and interview were used to collect data. The data were analysed quantitatively usingANOVA and Chi square applications which were described using means, medians, frequency and percentages. It was found that even though most of the Level 200s Music elective students have problems with the use of the Finale software in their music studies, Finale helped improve students‟ sight-reading base on the fact that, most of the respondents indicated that students who were conversant with Finale were better at sight-reading ability. Also, the respondents were of the perception that providing adequate computers for students using Finale would help to improve students‟ sight reading. The study recommends that teachers should pay particular attention to the Level 200s in their sight-reading, using Finale. It finally recommends thatColleges of Education should appeal to the District/Municipal Directorate of Education for assistance for the provision of computers and other gadgets and equipment tohelp students to read music effectively.