Professional Music Practice: The Nigeria Example

Nigeria is known to be a multi ethnic nation that practices different kinds of music. It has also been observed that not all Nigerian performers are actually professionals in their various areas of specialization because of the standard of their performances. Moreso, some claim to be music professionals because they are academic musicians. Practicing music professionally means to be skillful, versatile, creative, expressive, educative, inspiring, etc. Therefore, this research reviews who really are professionals in music practice and gives some important tips for a professional in music practice. It makes expositions in some areas of musical professionalism in Nigeria, such as; Professionalism in Vocal Music (Sacred and Secular), Professionalism in Instrumentation, Professionalism in Church Music, Professionalism in Pop Music, Professionalism in African Music and Professionalism in theory of Music. The researchers find this work necessary because it brought out what it takes to practice music professionally and expresses why an academic musician should also be more skillful in practice in other to prove the worth of using the word “Professional”.