Venture down Sani street on a weekday afternoon and you may hear the sounds of Ma Brrr, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Purcell, Michael Jackson, fanfares, umxhentso, dubstep, Bob Marley, Jonas Gwangwa… or something else you’ve never heard before. Trombones, marimbas, bass guitar… piano, voices, cellos, drums… shouts, whispers, booms, clicks, screams… it’s the sound of young people working, playing; the singing of beating hearts and the creaking of expanding minds. Access Music Project (AMP) is an Eastern Cape music education centre connecting young people with their creative identities and opportunities in the creative economy, in partnership with local schools. AMP was established in response to the problem of young potential musicians not having access to music studies. In many schools music is not an option for study, and arts in general have little priority. AMP’s model is that of a centre where human and physical resources are pooled to serve learners from various under-resourced schools, enabling the creation of a well-equipped, diverse and high quality music programme. Engagement with arts provides a space in which children can explore those parts of their selves that cannot be understood through words, and develop critical and alternative ways of thinking and expression. The opportunity to study music formally can open up another world of pathways for children who are talented and aspiring musicians.
The AMP String Ensemble performed at the St Andrew's College Prize Giving on Monday with Kumkani Kabane (SAC matric student) and the SAC/DSG String Ensemble. There is a beautiful story behind the collaboration...
This time last year we received an email with an invitation for collaboration from a stranger, Kumkani Kabane. At the time we responded that we would keep his invitation in mind, but had no immediate need for what he was offering. Little did we know what would transpire over the next two months.
Themba Mashobane, part time cello teacher at AMP, approached us towards the end of 2023 with the vision to begin a String Ensemble at AMP. In our initial meeting to discuss practicalities we reached a stalemate when we realised that our facility at Joza Youth Hub would not be able to accommodate rehearsals of a large group over and above our existing lesson schedule. A devastating silence fell amongst us and then we remembered Kumkani's email.
It was an emotional realisation that our need had been met before we even knew what lay ahead thanks to this young man's response to a gut feeling to reach out. Kumkani's invitation was perfect in every way and has enabled our String Ensemble to travel and rehearse at SAC each week.
We have experienced many highlights as a fledgling String Ensemble this year and hope to continue our relationship with SAC in 2025.
- Soweto String Quartet collaboration and performance
- Masterclasses with Soweto String Quartet
- NAF Village Green official opening performance
- Masterclasses with Graham Alexander (KZNPO)
- SAC Prize Giving and collaborative performance
Many thanks to Themba Mthee Mashobane, Ilana Chirombo, Ncumisa Mzaza and Kumkani Kabane for facilitating this initiative.
Special thanks to Kumkani, as discussed in our initial meetings, was in the form of the performance at the Prize Giving where he featured as a soloist with the AMP/SAC/DSG String Ensemble which he has played a critical role in facilitating. May he continue to walk through life with sensitivity to the needs of those around him and find success in all that he does.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
#sef
Congratulations to Sesethu Mtshelu on his appointment to the Rhodes University SRC as Community Engagement Councilor in 2025. Sesethu is an alumni of AMP and current student at Rhodes University. Not only is Sesethu an accomplished saxophone player but he also acted as an MC for many of our events. We wish him everything of the best in this leadership position.
Pictured here with Nosi Nkwinti from RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement and serving on the Joza Youth Hub Board where AMP is based.
www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/historicsrcinaugurationatrhodesuniversity.html
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
Ntinga ntaka ndin💃🙌
As an After School Programme we see the benefits firsthand through the stories of our learners and staff. Making a tangible difference in our community and amongst the youth is fulfilling and brings a sense of hope for the future.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
#LightsOnAfterschool #lightsonsa #TheLearningTrust #TLT #afterschoolworks #BeyondTheClassroom #afterschool📚 After School Programmes are a game-changer for learners, leading to improved academic results, psychosocial well-being, and a renewed interest in schooling. Keeping children in school is pivotal for enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Are you ready to showcase how #AfterschoolWorks for young children across the country?
Learn more and get involved: bit.ly/LOAS2024 💡
#LightsOnAfterSchool #LightsOnSA #AfterSchoolWorks
Many thanks to RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement for their ongoing support in so many ways. We were delighted to celebrate community engagement with so many incredible projects and individuals and be inspired by the youth of today!
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
We welcomed ABRSM examiner, Iain Sloan, to AMP last week while he was visiting Makhanda for music exams. He expressed interest in our project and was delighted to experience a typical afternoon with us.
Our students exit AMP with an international music exam and we hope to have a number of entries in 2025. Iain's visit was an opportunity for teachers and learners to ask questions about the exams and gather a few tips for their preparation.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
Our End of Term Concert was a chance to showcase how far our young musicians have progressed and develop their confidence in performance.
Best Performance:
Akhanya Ntame (trumpet)
Most Promising :
Tsepiso Mila (violin) & Esinako Simama (Alto Saxophone)
Most Entertaining :
Avela Twani & Onothando Krali (trumpet)
Special thanks to Brendan Hoffman (flute) and Garreth Robertson (piano) for their inspiring guest performance.
We also welcomed Elijah Madiba (AMP Board) and Sambesiwe KaMbhali Mavela from Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology as special guests.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
Well done!!
Ilse Strauss, one of our dedicated gap-year volunteers, has been inspired to pursue music studies after being part of our team. We're beyond thrilled to see the impact of our program on our volunteers.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#rhodesuniversity
Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology
RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
Congratulations and we wish you all best for the future. Continue to mentor those talented kids 💐
Wow Ilse congratulations my dear.
Congratulations to all the AMP learners, alumni and staff who participated in the inaugural Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology Ensemble Festival, sponsored by Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ensemble forms an important part of our project and are thrilled to see this festival take place.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
Theatre at Joza Youth Hub (Home of AMP!)
Ten Minute Town is a site-specific journey through Makhanda inspired by six pieces of creative writing on the city. The performance is devised and performed by the RU first year MA and is part of the Place Texts, Place Moves, Makhanda research project.
Booking essential: RhodesUniversityTheatre@gmail.com
Tuesday, 27 August and
Wednesday, 28 August
11:30-14:30
starting at Drostdy Arch
Another collaboration and vision to share our space with Access Music Project Joza Youth Hub, Rhodes UniversityDrama Department.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
Mook LionRUCE: Rhodes University Community EngagementRhodes University Fine Art Department
Access Music Project featured on Mpuma Kapa TV and we are so thrilled with the result.
Watch the short segment and find out more about what we do.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology Social Employment Fund Joza Youth Hub The Learning Trust Verge of Change Makhanda Rhodes University Fine Art Department Mook Lion Rhodes University Drama Department Daily Dispatch Awarenet Youth Power Group HeraldLIVE - Nelson Mandela Bay St Andrew's College DSG Grahamstown Victoria Girls' High School Nombulelo Secondary School Ntsika Secondary School Mary Waters High School, Grahamstown Andrew Moyake Public School kutliso Daniels secondary school Makana Community Orchestra Music Society of Makhanda National Arts Festival Makhanda National Youth Jazz Festival, Makhanda ABRSM National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) South African National Lottery Izak de Vries Die Tuishuise and Victoria Manor Soweto String Quartet Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Industrial Development Corporation Sony Music News
#smgimpactt
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
Truly an impactful project ❤️. Keep up the great work.
The AMP String Ensemble performed at the St Andrew's College Prize Giving on Monday with Kumkani Kabane (matric student) and the SAC/DSG String Ensemble. There is a beautiful story behind the collaboration...
This time last year we received an email with an invitation for collaboration from a stranger, Kumkani Kabane. At the time we responded that we would keep his invitation in mind, but had no immediate need for what he was offering. Little did we know what would transpire over the next two months.
Themba Mashobane, part time cello teacher at AMP, approached us towards the end of 2023 with the vision to begin a String Ensemble at AMP. In our initial meeting to discuss practicalities we reached a stalemate when we realised that our facility at Joza Youth Hub would not be able to accommodate rehearsals of a large group over and above our existing lesson schedule. A devastating silence fell amongst us and then we remembered Kumkani's email.
It was an emotional realisation that our need had been met before we even knew what lay ahead thanks to this young man's response to a gut feeling to reach out. Kumkani's invitation was perfect in every way and has enabled our String Ensemble to travel and rehearse at SAC each week.
We have experienced many highlights as a fledgling String Ensemble this year and hope to continue our relationship with SAC in 2025.
- Soweto String Quartet collaboration and performance
- Masterclasses with Soweto String Quartet
- NAF Village Green official opening performance
- Masterclasses with Graham Alexander (KZNPO)
- SAC Prize Giving and collaborative performance
Many thanks to Themba Mthee Mashobane, Ilana Chirombo, Ncumisa Mzaza and Kumkani Kabane for facilitating this initiative.
Special thanks to Kumkani, as discussed in our initial meetings, was in the form of the performance at the Prize Giving where he featured as a soloist with the AMP/SAC/DSG String Ensemble which he has played a critical role in facilitating. May he continue to walk through life with sensitivity to the needs of those around him and find success in all that he does.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
#sef
Congratulations to Sesethu Mtshelu on his appointment to the Rhodes University SRC as Community Engagement Councilor in 2025. Sesethu is an alumni of AMP and current student at Rhodes University. Not only is Sesethu an accomplished saxophone player but he also acted as an MC for many of our events. We wish him everything of the best in this leadership position.
Pictured here with Nosi Nkwinti from RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement and serving on the Joza Youth Hub Board where AMP is based.
www.ru.ac.za/latestnews/historicsrcinaugurationatrhodesuniversity.html
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
Ntinga ntaka ndin💃🙌
As an After School Programme we see the benefits firsthand through the stories of our learners and staff. Making a tangible difference in our community and amongst the youth is fulfilling and brings a sense of hope for the future.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
#LightsOnAfterschool #lightsonsa #TheLearningTrust #TLT #afterschoolworks #BeyondTheClassroom #afterschool📚 After School Programmes are a game-changer for learners, leading to improved academic results, psychosocial well-being, and a renewed interest in schooling. Keeping children in school is pivotal for enhancing the quality of life in our community.
Are you ready to showcase how #AfterschoolWorks for young children across the country?
Learn more and get involved: bit.ly/LOAS2024 💡
#LightsOnAfterSchool #LightsOnSA #AfterSchoolWorks
Many thanks to RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement for their ongoing support in so many ways. We were delighted to celebrate community engagement with so many incredible projects and individuals and be inspired by the youth of today!
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
We welcomed ABRSM examiner, Iain Sloan, to AMP last week while he was visiting Makhanda for music exams. He expressed interest in our project and was delighted to experience a typical afternoon with us.
Our students exit AMP with an international music exam and we hope to have a number of entries in 2025. Iain's visit was an opportunity for teachers and learners to ask questions about the exams and gather a few tips for their preparation.
Join our community and become involved with support:
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
accessmusic.org.za/about/
AMP's STORY
AMP was established in 2011 and has continued to grow from strength to strength through the support of a community of learners, teachers, friends and funders.
We have a carefully structured series of programmes from foundational music learning at primary school level, up to our Internship programmes at post-school level, which assist with bridging learners to tertiary studies and the creative industry.
VISION
For South Africa’s youth to have equal ACCESS to music education, creative industry, cultural heritage and artistic possibilities.
MISSION
To enable young musical people, who would not otherwise have the opportunity, to realise musical futures through a solid and competitive music education, towards the development of outstanding musicians, performers and creative professionals.
#sef
#sonyglobalsocialjusticefund
#ABRSM
