Jenny Brand
I studied clarinet in Bloemfontein under Heinrich Armer, where I did my BMus, BMus Hons and UVLM (UNISA). During that time I played in the PACOFS orchestra, was category winner of the Forte music Competition, winner of the yearly OFS Music Prize and played for the Unisa Licentiate bursary for overseas studies. In Jan 2010 accepted a position at Kingswood College, teaching clarinet and saxophone. I play regularly in chamber music concerts and occasionally in the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.

Priscilla Glover
I have been head of the Music Department at Graeme College, a school for Boys Gr1 to 12, in Grahamstown since 1996. It is great to be involved with the Keiskamma Music Academy. The children are really focused, and work hard to achieve the high standard of playing that they do. They seem to be much more motivated than many of the children that I have taught over the years. I have also been impressed with their good manners and polite confidence.

Stephen Holder
I began teaching music in schools (primary and secondary) in 1980. Since 2003 I have been at the Music School, Kingswood College, Grahamstown, where I teach the flute, rehearse the Concert Wind Band and am responsible for several Subject Music classes from Grade 8 to Grade 12. Kingswood College has established a community engagement programme, the Integrated Community Development Project, in which the Music School is involved. We teach children from the Little Red Dragon School which is part of this Project. Most of our concerts are given with and in aid of community projects. Music can be a powerful force for upliftment in the community. By means of Music Education it is possible to make a positive difference in the lives of children and, eventually, to be a transforming influence in our community and nation.

Jen Hoyer
I am a professional recorder player from Canada and I am currently volunteering  with Keiskamma Music Academy to facilitate workshops and provide private instruction.  I received a Bachelor of Music in recorder and piano performance from The King's University College, where I studied recorder with Rachel Jean, and continued my studies with Matthias Maute at McGill University in Montréal, Canada.  I have been fortunate to have so many inspiring teachers. I have also completed a Performer's ARCT diploma in piano through the Royal Conservatory of Toronto.

Brenda Fishwick
I am visiting education specialist from the UK. I hold a B.Ed Hons degree from Cambridge University (English & Music) and have had many years of experience in primary schools and teacher education. I was Education & Events Manager for the Lake District National Park Authority from 2000-2007 and most recently I worked for Creative Partnerships UK, a government initiative to research and develop creative learning. I am delighted to be visiting the Music Academy. The young people show such enthusiasm, professionalism and discipline. And the beauty that they create sits so beautifully with the beauty of the Hamburg environment…

Daniel Hutchinson
I am a 29 year old teacher based in Grahamstown. The aim of my work is to accompany young people in discovering their creativity, purpose and identity. My teaching disciplines are music and history, and my focus areas are South African music, music composition and improvisation, and social mobilization.

Kgothatso Kekana
I started my music studies in June 2004 when I was in Grade 11, under the instruction of Christine McLachlan. In 2005 I took music performance as one of my matric subjects and received a distinction. Since commencing my musical studies, I have participated in various eisteddfods, performed at the Unisa Arts Festivals and the Dikonokono Arts Festivals and several Embassies in Pretoria. One of the main reasons I came to teach at the Keiskamma Music Academy was because, I myself am a product of an outreach programme and through music I was given a lot of opportunities and it also opened a lot of doors for me, so all I want to do is also give back to other children so that they can also have the same opportunities as me; if not better.

Jared Lang
I obtained an advanced diploma in contemporary music at Allenby in 2002. I then obtained my degree in music (jazz piano) from Tshwane University of Technology in 2007. In the third year of my studies, I discovered the recorder and devoted a lot of time to learning this instrument. I enjoy teaching recorder to children from the Keiskamma Music Academy because of how appreciative these kids are, and because it is amazing to see how music can make such a positive difference to their lives.

Oliviera Nikolic
I started playing the recorder at age 6. I completed a Master’s Degree of music in 2004 under Amanda Low at the University of Witwatersrand. My studies have led me to have regular lessons all over Europe with recorder virtuosos, such as Walter van Hauwe, Paul Leenhoudts, Flanders Recorder Quartet, Pedro Memelsdorf , Carin van Heerden and many more. In1999 I won the wind category at ATKV and have also recorded many CD’s, the latest being African Baroque which won the SAMA award for best classical album in 2007. I have given many solo concerts in Southern Africa and Europeand taught extensily too. I currently hold a music position at Pro Arte Alphen Park. At the end of 2010, I had the privilege of being invited to teach the Keiskamma Music Academy students. It was a rich, rewarding and honouring experience and made me realise why I do what I do! Thank you!

Hilary Paterson
I am a born and bred Eastern Caper, working as a music teacher at Kingswood College in Grahamstown. I graduated in 2007 from the University of Cape Town with a Masters Degree in oboe. Teaching the children from the Keiskamma Music Project allows me to pass on the gift of music, especially oboe playing. When Simni and I play duets and she says “Wow! It sounds so beautiful when we play together!” I know I have given her something special that will enrich her life.

Caitlin Schulze
I have been involved in teaching music to children for many years (privately; with ITEC East London; and, recently, the Keiskamma children) and continue to find it a rewarding task. I am presently studying a Bmus degree at Rhodes University. As well as this, I have played in numerous eisteddfods, and in various competitions. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching the Keiskamma children and am amazed at the dedication they have to their instruments, and the hard work they put in.

Elizabeth Winkelman
I was born in Zimbabwe and qualified as a piano and classical guitar teacher. I received my BMus with distinction in 2003 and I have taught for 17 years. I currently play piano every night at Fish River Sun hotel and I have a passion for music and teaching. After hearing the children perform in Port Alfred in December 2010, I was so inspired that I just wanted to be involved. The children uplift and inspire me with their dedication and determination. I am so proud of their progress!

For more information about the Keiskamma Music Academy, contact Helen Vosloo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 082 664 1190.

We also thank all the other teachers who have had an influence on our development: Linda de Villiers, Eva Schäflein, Meike Engebrecht, Christine Geldenhuys, Leslie Stork, Mpumelelo Nyushman, Dean Flanegan, Senja Barthel, Fladia Buongiorno and Hilarie Rall. We also thank many young German volunteers who have visited through the DED programme and helped our students to practice and progress.