The English Communication Needs of Music Students and ESP Curriculum Development at BA Level

Abstract

This study investigates the communication needs of Music Students in English and their challenges faced during a Master course with professionals at European Summer Music Academy. The research instruments are two-stage surveys and observation of two groups of students at Faculty of Arts of “Haxhi Zeka” University. The results of the study show that English is one of the communication barriers of music students, and that the majority of them have difficulties in communicating in English with international musicians. Most English usage occurs in a Master course. The most difficult skills for Music students are found to be oral communication in English and listening comprehension. However, there are still very strong needs for further improvement in English communication. For the ESP courses, oral communication activities, especially in preparatory English Programs, are particularly needed. The ESP courses should connect with realworld practice and be relevant to actual needs of students. This study has significant implications for English for Music syllabus development.