MUSIEKSENTRUM/MUSIC CENTRE

Dé Musiekatelje (Gericke Smith Music Centre) is a dynamic centre with the goal of providing high quality music education.  With an enthusiastic educator, music lessons are provided in a wide range of instruments in a positive and relaxed atmosphere to students of all ages.

The students could frequently participate in external music examinations of UNISA, ABRSM and Trinity Guildhall.  They could also perform in arts festivals, concerts and informal performances.  Theory classes are also offered from the beginner to advanced levels.

We encourage students to take part in ensemble playing which is available in the form of a string ensemble, wind orchestra, popular music ensemble, vocal ensemble and various duets, trios etc.  Providing students with a platform to share their music is highly regarded and therefore many exciting performances are planned annually.

Something about Myself: 

I started music lessons when I was in Grade 2 in Laerskool Oranje-Noord and continued with the recorder until I finished my B.Mus degree in Potchefstroom (with Marie Mchaclan from Pretoria).   I started the violin when I was in Grade 8 and had lessons with Sonet Louw and continued with the Viola from grade 10 until my final year in school at High School Duineveld. 

I studied music in Potchefstroom and took the Cello as one of my instruments from Human Coetzee.  I enjoyed studying music and was part of the Musikhane music project from my first year till my fourth year teaching recorder, violin and cello for the disadvantage children of Potchefstroom.  I was a part-time teacher at Gimnasium Music centre (Potchefstroom) for 3 years and had students from a young age till adults for the violin, recorder, and cello.  I was one of the theory teachers for grade 4 and 5 Unisa Music theory.

As I was busy with my music studies I was able to visit many violin and bow maker(s) where I learned some of the aspects of making instruments and keeping them in good playing condition as well as repairs on stringed instruments (Svend Christenson JHB and the late Kevin Dunbar Cape Town – just to name a few).  Thus I am able to teach not only what is important from the playing aspect but more on the practical side of maintaining an instrument and acquiring the right instrument for the different levels of playing and to enjoy the music more as a whole through the right instrument and teaching of music.

Previous educators: 

John Reid Coulter (Potchefstroom): 083 336 1996

Jan Taute (Upington): 082 331 3044

Sonet Louw (Upington) 082 692 6342