From School Choir to Professional Stage: Career Pathways Emerging from Choral Participation in Lagos State Secondary Schools

Abstract

Choral music participation in Nigerian secondary schools has historically served as a viable tool for musical development, cultural expression, and youth engagement. However, limited research has explored how participation in school choirs contributes to long-term professional musical careers. This paper discusses the career pathways emerging from choral participation in Lagos State secondary schools. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 120 former choristers across ten secondary schools in Lagos State, alongside interviews with choir directors and music educators. Quantitative analysis reveals that 37% of former school choristers pursued music-related careers such as performance, teaching, music production, and choral conducting. Qualitative findings indicate that early exposure to choral training, mentorship from choir directors, and participation in music competitions significantly influenced professional trajectories. The study also identifies institutional gaps, including limited career guidance and inadequate infrastructural support for music education. The findings highlight the role of school choirs as foundational platforms for developing musical talent and suggest policy reforms to strengthen career pathways in music education. The study contributes to broader discussions on arts education, youth empowerment, and the creative economy in Nigeria.