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Dr Joyce Mudengani MOCHERE

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Staff Information
PERSONAL DETAILS
Designation
Lecturer of Music
Department
Office of the Dean, School of Music & Media
Section
Department of Music and Performing Arts
Address
jmochere@kabarak.ac.ke
SUMMARY

Dr. Joyce M. Mochere is a distinguished lecturer in the Department of Music and Performing Arts at Kabarak University’s School of Music and Media. An accomplished academic, she holds a PhD in Music Education from Kabarak University, a Master’s in Music Education, and a Bachelor of Education (Music and English/Literature) from Kenyatta University. Her teaching portfolio is extensive, covering postgraduate courses in music education theory, research methods, and curriculum development, as well as undergraduate courses in music theory, composition, history, and performance (piano and voice).

A leading voice in African musical arts, Dr. Mochere serves as the Vice President for the Eastern Africa Region of the Pan African Society for Musical Arts Educators (PASMAE). Her research is keenly focused on the challenges and opportunities within the continent, with key interests in curriculum development, music pedagogy, African music, and the integration of technology and faith in music. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and a book on music instructional methods, contributing significantly to the discourse on aligning music education with real-world job markets in Kenya.

Within Kabarak University, Dr. Mochere holds several key leadership positions, including Chairperson of the Innovation and Business Incubation Centre and certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Auditor. Before her tenure at Kabarak, she was instrumental in introducing music programs at Dadaab refugee camps and served on the national panel that developed Kenya’s secondary school music curriculum guides. A passionate musician and conductor, she is also a Kenya Music Festival adjudicator and an active Praise and Worship Leader in her church community.

Google Scholar
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=A1-EY64AAAAJ&hl=en
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • PhD, Music Education (2016–2022)

Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya

Dissertation: Determining Relevance of Undergraduate University Music Curricula to the Requirements of Selected Music Job Markets in Nairobi County, Kenya.

  • Masters in Music Education (2010–2014)

Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Thesis: Music Instructional Methods and their Impact on curriculum Implementation: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Nairobi County (Kenya).

  • Bachelor of Education (Arts), Music & English/Literature (1989–1992)

Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

2025

  • Participated in the Kenya Music Festival National Workshop, held a Tom Mboya University from 23rd  Feb- 1st  March 2025 

2024

  • November 2024: Successfully participated and completed the two-Day Capacity-Building Training Workshop for African Higher Education Institutions, Higher Education Institution Enterprise Support Organisations and Research Centres on 7th November 2024.
  • February 2024: Kenya Music Festival Certificate of participation in the KMF National Trainers’ and Adjudicators’ Workshop held at Nakuru Girls High School from 18th-24th February, 2024.

2023

  • June 2023: Successfully completed professional development training in ‘Intentional teaching and Total Participation Techniques’ a collaboration between Kabarak University and Millersville University, June 20-22, 2023, at the Kabarak University auditorium.
  • January - June 2023: Research to Commercialization (R2C) Training of Trainers (TOT) funded by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).

2021

  • July 2021: DELT Certificate of Training awarded for successfully participating in the E-training on Improving Graduate Competencies through Experiential Learning on 21st July, 2021.
  • July 2021: SMPA Innovation and Business Incubation (By Mochere M. Joyce) ‘Sensitization on Research & Innovation’. Participants-all SMPA faculty and students on 23/07/2021, 8.00 AM-11.AM.
  • 2021: 2021 International Arts Education Week and The 4th UNESCO- UNITWIN Symposium 24th, 25th, and 26th 2021.
  • July 2021: WIPO International Seminar on "Harnessing Public Research for Innovation in the Time of Covid-19 and Beyond - The Role of Knowledge Transfer Policies", July 20, 2021 - from 12.30 p.m. to 3.25 p.m. CEST (Geneva time).
  • May 2021: International Doctoral Summer School (IDSS) 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th May 2021 4.30-8.30pm EAT.
  • April 2021: Training Programme for the Online Teaching and Examination Setting (January-April 2021 Semester).
  • March 2021: DELT Certificate of training awarded for successfully participating in the e-training on Online and Examination Setting between 25th and 26th March, 2021.
  • March 2021: KENIA, Research and Innovation Commercialization https/www.innovatioagency.go.ke/webinar 3rd March, 2021 at 2.00-5.30 pm.

2020

  • September 2020: IPGS KABARAK GRADUATE SEMINAR 16th -18th 9/2020.
  • February 2020: Attendance certificate awarded for participating in the intellectual Property (IP) Training facilitated by Kenya Industrial Property Institute on 21st February, 2020.
  • January 2020: Directorate of Excellence in Learning and Teaching in collaboration with the centre for Quality Assurance and Institutional Planning Certificate of Training awarded to Dr. Joyce M. Mochere for successfully participating in the training on ‘Pedagogy and ISO 9001:2015 Awareness, held on 6th and 7th January, 2020 at the Kabarak University Online Centre.

 2018

March, 2018: QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS-  Successfully completed the course , assessment and examination for the ISO 9001:2015 Internal Quality Audit Course conducted in Kabarak University

FIELDS OF SPECIALIZATION

Core Music Education & Performance Skills

  1. Curriculum Development: Expertise in designing and implementing both traditional and Competency-Based Curricula (CBC).
  2. Music Pedagogy & Andragogy: Advanced knowledge of teaching methodologies for diverse learners at all levels.
  3. Music Theory, History & Analysis: Coordinating and teaching foundational music knowledge in both Western and African contexts.
  4. African Music & Ethnomusicology: Specialized research and teaching interest in indigenous musical arts.
  5. Piano & Vocal Pedagogy: Practical instruction and examination in key performance areas.
  6. Choral Conducting: Proven experience as a choir trainer, composer, and conductor.

 

Research & Technical Skills

  1. Academic Research & Publication: Extensive track-record of peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and conference presentations.
  2. Music Technology Integration: Research and application of emerging technologies, including AI, in music education.
  3. Church Music: Specialized knowledge and research in sacred music contexts and performance.
  4. Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods: Teaching and supervising research at the postgraduate level.

Leadership & Administrative Skills

  1. Academic Leadership & Administration: Demonstrated leadership as Head of Department, Committee Chair, and School Board member.
  2. Postgraduate Supervision & Mentoring: Extensive experience successfully guiding numerous Master's students' research.
  3. Innovation & Research Commercialization: Leadership in fostering innovation, business incubation, and turning research into practical applications.
  4. Quality Assurance (ISO 9001:2015): Certified internal auditor for quality management systems in an academic setting.
  5. International Collaboration & Public Speaking: High-level engagement with international bodies (PASMAE, ISME) and extensive presentation experience.
WORK EXPERIENCE

Professional Experience & Leadership

My career at Kabarak University began in 2016 when I joined the Department of Music and Performing Arts (MPA) as a Lecturer. In this foundational role, my responsibilities have included teaching, developing and reviewing curriculum, setting and grading examinations, mentoring and advising students, and providing leadership to contribute to the smooth operation of the department.

Over the years, I have taken on progressively senior responsibilities within the university. In 2018, I was appointed Coordinator for Music Theory, Musicianship, History, and Analysis, and also began formally supervising student research projects. My commitment to institutional excellence was expanded in 2019 when I became a certified ISO 90001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) Auditor for the university.

My involvement in university governance and student progression has grown through various committee appointments, including the University Library Advisory Committee (2021), the Student Audition, Admission, and Credit Transfers Committee (2021), and the MPA Departmental Executive Committee (2022). I also took on roles as the Research Seminar Coordinator (2021) and the Coordinator for Thesis Supervision Progression (2022) to further support student academic development.

A significant area of my focus has been on fostering innovation. I joined the Innovation and Business Incubation Committee in 2019, served as the Innovation Capacity Building Training Coordinator in 2023, and was appointed Chair of Innovation and Business Incubation later that year.

My leadership trajectory continued with my appointment as Head of the Department of Music and Performing Arts for the 2024-2025 academic year and as a Member of the School of Music and Media (SMM) Board starting in 2024.

Looking ahead, I am eager to champion modern educational paradigms as a Competency-Based Education Champion for the SMM starting in 2025. In the same year, I will also take on an international leadership role as the Vice President for the Eastern Africa Region of the Pan African Society for Musical Arts Educators (PASMAE).

KEY PROJECTS
  • CBC & CBE Training for School of Music and Media (2024): Trained the School of Music and Media on CBC and CBE curriculum development for review purposes
  • PhD, Masters, Undergraduate, Diploma and Certificate Curriculum Review (2024): As Head of Department, DMPA, championed and accelerated the review of curricula to CBC structure and content
  • Undergraduate CBC Music Curriculum Development (2024): Developed the complete Competency-Based Curriculum for the Bachelor of Education (Arts) in Music for the School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Kabarak University.
  • University Music Curricula Relevance (2022): PhD research project determining the alignment of university music programs with the requirements of the music job market in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Capacity Building Innovation and Business Incubation (2021): Trained SMPA  faculty and students on ‘Research & Innovation’.  
  • Secondary Music Instructional Methods (2014): Master's research project analyzing the impact of instructional methods on music curriculum implementation in secondary schools in Nairobi, Kenya.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
  • Curriculum Development & Implementation
  • Music Pedagogy & Andragogy
  • African Music & African-musicology
  • Music Technology & AI in Education
  • Church Music & Integration of Faith and Music Education
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
  1. Mochere, J. M., Ngala, F. B. J. A., & Wanyama, M. N. (2020). The Relevance of University Music Curricula to the Requirements of music production Job Market in Kenya. Editon Cons. J. Curr. Educ. Stud., 2(1), 213-237.
  2. Mochere, J. M., Wanyama, M. N., & Ngala, F. B. J. A. (2020). The Relevance of University Music Curricula to the Requirements of Church Music Job Market in Kenya. Editon Cons. J. Curr. Educ. Stud., 2(1), 250-274.
  3. Ernest P. M. & Mochere, J. M. (2019). “In Class Out of Place: The Substance of Secondary School Music Curriculum.” In E. A. Akuno (Ed.), Music Education in Africa: Concept, Process, and Practice. Taylor & Francis.
  4. Mochere, J. M. & Kibor, E. J. (2017). Christianity and Arts: Integration of Faith and Learning Music in the Contemporary Society. Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 5(9A), 1132-1142.
  5. Mochere, J. M. (2017). The Future of Music Education in Kenya: Implementation of Curriculum and Instructional Teaching Strategies. Journal of Education and Practice, 8(6).
  6. Mochere, J. M. (2016). Pedagogical issues Facing Music Teachers in Implementing Music Curriculum: A case of Selected Secondary Schools in Nairobi County (Kenya). International Journal of Education Learning and Development, 4(9), 53-65.
  7. Mochere, J. M. (2016). Factors Contributing to the Performance of Music Students in Secondary Schools in Nairobi County (Kenya). British Journal of Education, 4(6), 1-14.
  8. Mochere, J. M. (2016). Strategies Undertaken by Music Teachers in Implementing Music in the Classroom: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Nairobi County (Kenya). International Journal of Music Studies, 1(1), 11-22.
  9. Mochere, J. M. (2016). Music Instructional Methods and their Impact on curriculum Implementation: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Nairobi County (Kenya). Utafiti Foundation. ISBN: 978-9966-26-085-7.
CONFERENCES & INVITED PRESENTATIONS

2025

  • July 2025: Presented a paper entitled: ‘Music Education for who? A critical Approach to the ‘Silences’ and the ‘Noises’ about Music Education’ at The 14th PASMAE-ISME Regional Conference, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda (1st- 4th July, 2025).
  • July 2025: Presented a paper by Lolii Ekal & Joyce M. Mochere entitled: ‘Historical Positioning of Indigenization Dynamics of Kenya Army Band Martial Music’ at The 14th PASMAE-ISME Regional Conference, Makerere University Kampala, Uganda (1st- 4th July, 2025). Conference Theme: Revolutionizing African Musical Arts Education: Innovation, Inclusivity and Cultural Sustainability for social Impact.
  • June 2025: Presented a paper entitled: ‘Navigating Ethical Complexities: Responsible AI Integration in Music Education’ at the 15th Annual Kabarak University International Research Conference (16th -17th June 2025). Conference Theme: Artificial Intelligence in the Evolution of Mass Communication: Balancing Innovation with Media and Public Relations Ethics.
  • June 2025: Presented a paper entitled: ‘The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Transforming Music Education’ at the 15th Annual Kabarak University International Research Conference (16th -17th June 2025). Conference Theme: Artificial Intelligence in the Evolution of Mass Communication: Balancing Innovation with Media and Public Relations Ethics.
  • February 2025: Presented a paper entitled: ‘Creative Arts and Mother Language as a Portal for Sustainable Practices in Kenya’ at the 2025 International Language Day Conference and Celebrations organised by the Kabarak UNESCO Chair on Culture and Arts in Education for Sustainable Development Programme (21st February 2025). Theme: ‘Cultivating Sustainability of Mother Language through Culture and Arts in Education: Perspectives and Pathways.’

2024

  • October 2024: Presented a paper entitled: ‘The Evolving Music Technologies in the Music Industry and their Impact on Music Education’ at The 14th International Music and Performing Arts Conference (7th and 8th October 2024). Conference Theme: “Exploring the Intersect of Creative Arts Education and Practice with the 21st Century Digital Revolution”.
  • August 2024: Presented a paper entitled "The Role of Kenya Music Festival in Bridging the Gap between the Curriculum and Creative Arts Industry" at the First National Conference  in Music  on  the 6th of August 2024

2023

  • Presented a paper entitled "Re-thinking Teaching Music in Kenyan Secondary Schools" at  the 1st TUK Arts Education Postgraduate Symposium. Theme: Research-based Arts Policy Practice and Teaching  between March 14-16 2023

2022

 

 

  • September 2022: Attended the Leader shift Conference 2022 on Equipping Leaders for Organizational Transformation, held at Liberty Christian Centre (21st -24th September 2022).
  • July 2022: Attended the 35th World Conference of the International Society for Music Education (ISME) ONLINE, themed “A Visible Voice” (17-22 July, 2022).

2021

  • October 2021: Presented at the Kabarak University International Conference (15th-16th /10/2021).
  • September 2021: Presented a paper entitled ‘Preparing Ethical Music Graduates for Evolving Work Ecosystem’ at The Kabarak International Research Conference on Refocusing Music and other Performing Arts for Sustainable Development 2020 (23rd and 24th September 2021).
  • July 2021: Attended the Association of African University (AAU) - 15th AAU General Conference 2021. Theme: The Future of Higher Education in Africa (5th-8th July 2021).
  • June 2021: Presented during the UNITWIN International Graduate Research Seminar (22nd, 23rd, and 24th June 2021).
  • June 2021: Attended the KIPPRA - The Fourth KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference 2021. Theme: Science, Technology and Innovation (ST &I) in Enhancing Delivery of the Big Four Development Agenda (23rd-25th June 2021).
  • February 2021: Attended the NIECARE Conference: Curatorial Reflections on Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore.

2020

  • December 2020: Attended the L-SHIFT leadership conference (3rd-5th/12/2020).
  • November 2020: Attended the L-SHIFT leadership conference (9th-11th/11/2020).
  • October 2020: Presented a paper entitled ‘Relevance of University Music Curricula to the requirements of Music Ensemble Performance Job Market in Kenya’ at The Kabarak International Research Conference on Refocusing Music and other Performing Arts for Sustainable Development 2020.
  • October 2020: Attended the L-SHIFT Leadership conference (13th-15th/10/2020).
  • September 2020: Attended the ITAC5 Conference - The fifth International Teaching Artist Conference (ITAC5), hosted and organized by Korea Arts & Culture Education Services (14th-17th September 2020).
  • September 2020: Attended the MERG CONFERENCE on Dynamics and challenges of Music Education (29/9/2020).
  • September 2020: Attended the AAU (Association of African Universities) conference (10/9/2020).
  • September 2020: Attended the QUALITY ASSURANCE conference – AAU (Association of African Universities) (15th/9/2020).
  • June 2020: Presented  a paper entitled "Relevance of University Music Curricula to the Requirements of  Music Teaching Job Market in Kenya"  at the MERG CONFERENCE on Music Education and Performance in Crisis: Opportunities and Challenges (23rd, June, 2020) ONLINE.
  • 2020: Attended the Regional Webinar conference on UNESCO Strategy for Youth and Adult Literacy (2020-2025).
HONORS, PRIZE AND AWARDS
  • Certicificate awarded, development of Gudelines and Setpieces for Music and Elocution , Kenya Music Festival Workshop 2024
  • Certificate of Appreciation, Inter Churches Music Festival, 2024
  • Letter of Appreciation, Career Exposition, Innovation and Skills Show Week, 2024
  • Certificate for Outstanding Christian and Community Service, 2024
  • Certificate of Appreciation, Central Rift Innovation Week, Kabarak University, 2023
  • Certificate for Outstanding Christian and Community Service, 2023
TEACHING AREAS

Based on my role as a lecturer at Kabarak University, my teaching responsibilities are divided between postgraduate and undergraduate studies.

Postgraduate Courses

  • Musical Arts and Critical Theory
  • Historical & Philosophical Foundations of Music Education
  • Technology for Music Teaching and Learning
  • Applied Musicianship
  • History of Music Education in Kenya
  • Research Methods in Musical Arts Education
  • Trends in Music Form and Analysis
  • Issues in Music Curriculum Development
  • Instrumental and Vocal Pedagogy
  • Independent Study in Music Education
  • Music Pedagogical Techniques in Special Needs Education
  • Perspectives on Music Teaching and Learning

Undergraduate Courses

  • Music Theory
  • Music Composition
  • History and Analysis of African and Western Music
  • Church Music
  • Aurals
  • Music Practicals (Piano and Voice)
POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION
Masters Level:

Ongoing Postgraduate Supervision

Currently supervising 13 Master of Music Education and Master of Music Composition students. Topics range from indigenization of military music and teacher preparedness for CBC to the economic viability of female artists and reinterpreting traditional children's songs.

2025

  • David Lolii Ekal (GMMC/M/1387/12/15)
    • Programme: Master of Music Composition
    • Thesis: Examining Indigenisation Dynamics of Kenya Army Band Martial Music in Nairobi County, Kenya
  • John Ickx Munene Mwabila (GMM/0505/05/23)
    • Programme: Master of Music Composition
    • Thesis: Exploring Creative Potential for Selected Kenyan Traditional Instruments: Cross-Cultural Borrowing from Chivoti’s Textural, Melodic, and Rhythmic Notions
  • Githinji Kaniu (GMM/M/0661/05/23)
    • Programme: Master of Music Composition
    • Thesis: Analysis of Compositional Practices in Piano Accompaniment for Selected Choral Pieces at the National Kenya Music Festival
  • Elvis Salano Amondo (GME/ON/0196/01/23)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Examining Music Teacher Preparedness in Teaching Creative Arts and Sports in Public Junior Schools in KESSES Sub-county, Kenya.
  • Berbra Chebet Masai (GME/M/1555/09/23)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Examining Music Education as a Tool for Social Communication Skills to Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nakuru County, Kenya
  • Josephine Odonge Akwiri Muhaka (GME/ON/0567/01/24)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Exploring the influence of Kenya’s 2018 Inclusive Education Policy on Music Teachers’ Classroom Practices In Inclusive Settings in Nyamira County, Kenya.
  • Sikwata Stephen (GMC/M/0286/01/21)
    • Programme: Master of Music Composition
    • Thesis: Reinterpreting Traditional Kenyan Children’s Play Songs into Art Music: A Case of Kabras Community in Kakamega County, Kenya.
  • Rose Ngutu (GME/ON/0285/01/25)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Exploring Teacher Identity and Cultural Competence in Integrating Indigenous Music in CBC Framework: A Case Study of Primary School Educators in Nyandarua County, Kenya.
  • Diana Amunya (GME/ON/0608/01/25)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: An Exploration of the Economic Viability and Monetization Models for Female Musical Artists in the Streaming Era, Nairobi County, Kenya.
  • Dorothy Shumila Mbaya (GME/ON/ 0575/05/23)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Exploring Teacher-Initiated Strategies for Overcoming Resource Scarcity in CBC Music Instruction: A Case Study of Junior Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya.
  • Kipruto Gibson (GME/ON/0480/01/25)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Music Teachers' Perceptions and Lived Experiences with the Assessment Demands of the Competency-Based Curriculum in Junior Secondary Schools, Nakuru County, Kenya.
  • Michael Masika (GME/ON/0275/01/25)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Exploring Learner Perceptions on the Adequacy of Instrumental Music Provision and its Effect on Motivation for KCSE Music Practical Performance in Vihiga County, Kenya.
  • Vincent Kipkoech (GME/ON/0519/01/25)
    • Programme: Master of Music Education
    • Thesis: Exploring Teacher Perceptions on the Role and Efficacy of Integrated Music Activities in Fostering Psycho-social Skills for Learners with Special Needs in Junior Secondary Schools, Nakuru County, Kenya.
MEMBERSHIP / ASSOCIATION
  • International Society for Music Education (ISME)
  • Pan African Society for Musical Arts Educators (PASMAE)
  • Music Education Research Group-Kenya (MERG-Kenya)
  • European Centre for Research Training and Development UK
  • Utafiti Foundation
  • Editon Consortium Publishing Editorial Board, Journal of Music and Creative Arts
  • Kabarak University ADHOC Grants Committee

Our Moral Code

As members of Kabarak University family, we purpose at all times and in all places, to set apart in one’s heart, Jesus as Lord. (1 Peter 3:15)