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.
Another fabulous Friday...
In rehearsal with Gareth Walwyn and our super enthusiastic young musicians!
Join our community and become involved with support:
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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.
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
Such wonderful enthusiasm from our young musicians who are experiencing the joy of playing together!!
Another fabulous Friday...
In rehearsal with our fabulous String Ensemble with Themba Mashobane and Ilana Chirombo.
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
This is amazing work indeed...
I love the music 🎶 🎵 nkare I can play along lol 😆 💃
Love Fridays when all our ensemble groups rehearse. What a superb way to end the week ❤️
Join us in supporting emerging talent and Access Music’s fledgling ensemble groups as they take to the stage. Featuring upcoming young musicians performing our unique repertoire celebrated for its distinctively South African flavor with foundations in classical and jazz.
www.quicket.co.za/events/408377-end-of-year-concert/?utm_source=EventPage&utm_medium=Sharebox&utm...
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.
Rhodes University Department of Music and MusicologyRUCE: Rhodes University Community EngagementNombulelo Secondary SchoolNtsika Secondary SchoolAfrican Musical InstrumentsThe Learning TrustABRSM
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.
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.
Rhodes University Department of Music and MusicologyRUCE: Rhodes University Community EngagementSocial Employment FundNombulelo Secondary School
Thanks
khip up😀
Well done Akhu
Well done akhu
Mkhulu boy
Well done Zweni🥇🎻
Monwabisi Mnyanda khazo bona nyana wakho mntase
Oh man this is amazing. Keep up the good work Bridget and the team.
The one and only, Akhumzi! Such a helpful, determined, fun, all round great person!
Akhumzi is such warm presence at AMP! 👏
Well done Akhumzi!! 🔥 🎻
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
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.
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
Lovely Samantha! A joy of a student and a clever clogs 😍
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.
Liphelo! I'm lucky to have such a great student. Always helping, so determined and musical 🤩
ncoo umntana kamazi❤️💃
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.
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?
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
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.
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!