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.
Student of the Month
Celebrating our AWESOME young musicians : Malikhanye Maquntulu
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2027
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volunteering or
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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.
Rhodes University Department of Music and MusicologyRUCE: Rhodes University Community EngagementNombulelo Secondary SchoolThe Learning TrustNtsika Secondary School
Congratulations Malikhanye, you work so hard and clearly love playing the Trombone. We can't wait to see where music will take you 🎶
Well done.
In rehearsal with our fabulous String Ensemble with Themba Mashobane and Ilana Chirombo.
What happens when you have a music school with a room devoted to exploring music together!
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2027
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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.
The Learning Trust RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology Makana Community Orchestra Nombulelo Secondary School St Andrew's College The Diocesan School for Girls - Makhanda Soweto String Quartet Ntsika Secondary School @See less
What happens when you have a music school with a room devoted to exploring music together!
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2027
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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. See less
Conversations with Learners
Samantha Gosha - Grade 10
Joined Access Music in 2022
Questions: Why did you choose to play the violin?
"I chose the violin because I was interested/attracted to it"
How has Access Music helped you?
"I'm learning new things from the orchestra and the string ensemble that I didn't know"
Question: Do you want to study music & what do you hope this will lead to?
"Yes, I would like to study music. My dream is to go to Paris one day and meet the musicians I've been seeing online"
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2027
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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. See less
Sam Lilo scrolling by then catching your pic 🤭I'm so proud of you ✨💘 .keep on shining sthandwa -Mi Go Je💞
Student of the Month
Celebrating our AWESOME young musicians : Liphelo Manyati
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2026
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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.
sebenzile ndoda ungayiphuculi ke
Beautiful young man
Well done bro keep it up
Congra Liphelo
Ohw ke kumnandi bona umntana esenza kanjeh🥰well done ✅
Congratulations Liphelo! It has been wonderful to see you grow at AMP!
Ncoooh well done Liphelo!
Well done my boy god bless you all the way🙏🙏🙏
Well done❤️❤️❤️
No.ani,mjkmyp,,
Mchana ka malume✌️
Well done Liphelo you are an incredible asset to Access Music. You always work hard, give of your best and bring infectious energy to every day. 🔥
🔥🔥
Awesome! Well done.
Umqala wejersey yinkabankaba ,yho!
Amazing opportunity to lead Access Music into its next phase of development and growth. Closing date for applications 6 November 2026
Has this post been filled?
Conversations with Alumni
From Marimba to trombone and to the North West University
We caught up with our alumni Sonwabile Ngantweni who joined AMP back in 2018 in Grade 8. He shared how the theory, practical skills and certificates from AMP helped him audition for university and build a career in music.
Question: How has the Access Music Project helped you get where you are now?
"With the music theory knowledge and the practical skills I learnt at AMP, I was able to audition for the university of my choice. AMP prepared me well enough to get into university".
Amazing opportunity to lead Access Music to new heights! If you are passionate about music education and have a vision for seeing young talent developed, this is an incredible position.
Conversations with Alumni
If you were given a chance to speak with the learners at the Access Music Project, what would you say to them? (Sesona Kelekete)
I grew up in a township, and while growing up there, I saw many different things happening around me, including peer pressure and other challenges. So, I would advise the learners to stay true to themselves and follow the values and principles that their parents have taught them about life.
That is the advice I would give them: to stay on the right path and not allow the pressures around them to influence the choices they make. (Uyathandwa Madinda)
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2026
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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.
Thrilled to have had Adrian Lucas, visiting ABRSM examiner and choir conductor of the City of Birmingham, join us for a Friday afternoon rehearsal.
Adrian met with our learners and teachers answering questions and reminding us of the importance of performing with expression and musicality.
We loved that he took the time to visit us and found joy in playing music with us!
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2026
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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.
Makana Community Orchestra The Learning Trust Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology Incopho Development Project Provantage Consulting RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement
Fantastic!
Amazing opportunity to lead Access Music into its next phase of development and growth. Closing date for applications 6 November 2026
Conversations with Alumni
From Marimba to trombone and to the North West University
We caught up with our alumni Sonwabile Ngantweni who joined AMP back in 2018 in Grade 8. He shared how the theory, practical skills and certificates from AMP helped him audition for university and build a career in music.
Question: How has the Access Music Project helped you get where you are now?
"With the music theory knowledge and the practical skills I learnt at AMP, I was able to audition for the university of my choice. AMP prepared me well enough to get into university".
Amazing opportunity to lead Access Music to new heights! If you are passionate about music education and have a vision for seeing young talent developed, this is an incredible position.
Conversations with Alumni
If you were given a chance to speak with the learners at the Access Music Project, what would you say to them? (Sesona Kelekete)
I grew up in a township, and while growing up there, I saw many different things happening around me, including peer pressure and other challenges. So, I would advise the learners to stay true to themselves and follow the values and principles that their parents have taught them about life.
That is the advice I would give them: to stay on the right path and not allow the pressures around them to influence the choices they make. (Uyathandwa Madinda)
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2026
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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.
Thrilled to have had Adrian Lucas, visiting ABRSM examiner and choir conductor of the City of Birmingham, join us for a Friday afternoon rehearsal.
Adrian met with our learners and teachers answering questions and reminding us of the importance of performing with expression and musicality.
We loved that he took the time to visit us and found joy in playing music with us!
Join our community and become involved with support:
Book us for a gig
Sponsor a learner in 2026
funding
donations
volunteering or
collaboration / partnerships
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.
Makana Community Orchestra The Learning Trust Rhodes University Department of Music and Musicology Incopho Development Project Provantage Consulting RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement
Fantastic!