NPO seeks support for music lessons

Local non-profit organisation, Persistent Music Project, seeks assistance in consolidating and increasing the number of beneficiaries of its music lessons.

Formed in 2013, the organisation has conducted music theory and practical lessons for 507 Grade 7 pupils at Iphuteng, Carter and Ikage primary schools using jazz as a foundation.

Organisation member William Bapela said they conduct the lessons weekly and on a voluntary basis to promote music which, as part of the arts and culture curriculum, is not taught in schools as they do not have music teachers. Bapela is a trained and accredited music teacher through Unisa Music Foundation.

He said the participating pupils were tested for theory and competency in practicals and their results were recorded by the schools. Bapela added that the organisation wants to progress with them to secondary school and help them sit for tests so that they too can be accredited as musicians and teachers if they pass.

Bapela sees this as a proactive contribution that would take children with musical talent off the streets. “Its an opportunity from which they can make a living as professional musicians,” he said.

To achieve this, the organisation appeals for assistance for more musical instruments to add to its limited inventory of a violin, clarinet, saxophone, keyboard, two lead guitars, trumpet, trombone, three recorders, drum set, sound system and practice amp donated by the Provincial Department of Arts and Culture and an organ which was donated by a well-wisher which needs to be repaired.

“We also need financial and other support for equipment maintenance, stipends for more teachers, communication and office running costs,” said Bapela.

Details: William Bapela 071 619 8173; Lenin Mpesi 084 600 8404.