Academy helps children hit the right notes
Once the children have successfully completed the learnership they obtain an NQF level five certificate.
The Music Academy of Gauteng, which is based in Putfontien, partnered with the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) to host their Developing Music Talent workshop for the children at Kids Haven on February 23.
Members also visited Daveyton prior to Kids Haven to entertain and interact with residents of the Daveyton Old Age Home (February 21) and at the Cheshire Home for the Disabled (February 22).
The academy seeks out children with musical talent who have completed their matric. They are then placed on a learnership programme and given accommodation, food and toiletries.
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The students from the music academy came to entertain the children with their musical talents, singing popular songs and asking the children to sing along.
Academy director Father Themba Seya said: “We are here to look for children with musical talent and once they are identified by our skilled teachers, we will empower them by bringing them to the academy and growing their talent.”
Senior teacher Ntabeseng Mokowena, who lived at Kids Haven before she was taken in by the academy, came to encourage the children to showcase their talents and stay positive.
The children were given the opportunity to show their talents and many grabbed it – a 14-year-old girl left the crowd speechless when she started singing.
The band from the academy showed the children how their instruments work and later gave them the opportunity to test them out. Most of the children lined up to play the drums while others showed interest in the piano, trombone, trumpet and the tenor saxophone.
“Talented children identified by the teachers and who are not finished with school yet will be picked up on weekends to come work with the teachers in our music studio,” Seya explained.
“The main purpose is to develop and upskill the children of Kids Haven.”
A representative of Kids Haven Elia Manaka child and youth care worker said they wish the academy could visit more often because the children enjoy the performances and it is a good way to inspire them to pursue something positive and uplifting.
The Music Academy of Gauteng was founded in 1994 and built in 2007 by Johnny Mekoa, who died two years ago.
For more information contact Hendrick Monyeki of the academy on 011 969 6072.
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