AN ASSESSMENT OF INFLUENCE OF MUSICAL PROGRAMMES ON UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI.

ABSTRACT The study investigated the influence of musical programmes on undergraduate students of Benue State University, Makurdi. The study is anchored on diffusion of innovations theory. Survey research design was adopted while questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the 380 respondents. Findings from the study showed that Afrobeats especially those done in form of club activities are the types of music undergraduate students exposed themselves to the most. Findings from the study also showed that most of the undergraduates of Benue State University listen to music frequently (almost daily). The students usually get information on new songs from social media platforms. The study concluded that most students preferred types of music students listen to are pre-recorded broadcast, live performance and concerts as well as online musical events. In addition, Afrobeats was suggested as the most listened to genre by the students. The study recommended that music education curriculum and music pieces should be re-evaluated while remaining loyal to the basic principles and values of education and with regard to aesthetics, didactic and constructive concerns.