Access Music Project – Welcome to AMP!

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.

Access Music Project is at Access Music Project.

8 hours ago

Conversations with Learners

Today, we had the pleasure of interviewing Akhumzi Zweni one of our students who joined the programme in 2023 while he was in Grade 6.

During our conversation, we asked Akhumzi a few questions, but one particular question and his response really stood out: Question: "If you were given the opportunity to speak to the learners at your school about Access Music, what would you tell them?"

Akhumzi's response: "I would say Access Music is an amazing place. It has kept me from following my peers and ending up on the streets. As a teenager, it is so easy to get caught up in drugs and other negative influences because of peer pressure. But Access Music has kept me busy and away from these influences."

We also asked Akhumzi about his plans for life after matric. He shared that he hopes to work while pursuing his studies in music, as music has become a very important part of his life. It is something he is truly passionate about, and he would love to continue developing his talent and exploring where this passion could take him.

Akhumzi's words reflect exactly what Access Music hopes to achieve in the lives of young people. We strive to create a safe, supportive and inspiring environment where children can make positive choices, discover their potential and stay focused on building a brighter future.

Access Music is not just keeping children busy; it's motive is to shape meaningful lives, create opportunities and empower young people to become the best versions of themselves.

Akhumzi's story is a reminder of why our work matters. It is about more than providing activities or keeping young people occupied; it is about creating an environment where they feel supported, find their passions, develop their talents and have the confidence to dream about what their future can hold.

Every child deserves an opportunity to be part of something that makes a difference. And at Access Music, that is exactly what we hope to offer.

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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 Musicology RUCE: Rhodes University Community Engagement Social Employment Fund Nombulelo Secondary School ... See MoreSee Less