Call for applications: Instrument building and repair training in SA

The programme will comprise an intense, seven-day workshop that will be facilitated by top experts in the field, in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 19 to 24 September 2020

A total of 20 participants will be selected this year and the workshops will culminate in a concert featuring some of the focus instruments at Wits Theatre in Johannesburg on 25 September.

Certificates of participation will be given at the end of the workshops, and participants will be able to leave the workshops with the professional instruments they have made. More importantly, this training is aimed at enabling instrument makers to train other instrument makers in their respective communities.

The following instruments are being considered for the training in 2020: kamale ngoni, mbira and marimba. 

Applicants are required to indicate their instrument of interest. However, the final decision on instruments to be built will be made by the trainers and the MIAF.

The application deadline is 6 July 2020 (midnight CAT).

Who can apply?

• Candidates with experience in building instruments. A maximum of 20 beneficiaries will be selected.
• The workshops are open to participants based in South Africa.
• Participants will be required to attend all training sessions.
• Note: All participants will stay at the training venue at Alpha Training Centre in Hartbeespoort, Johannesburg.

Support for participants

The MIAF will support the following costs for all selected participants:

• Travel costs within Gauteng province.
• Accommodation for the duration of the workshops.
• Meals for the duration of the workshops.

Note: Participants outside Gauteng must be prepared to cover travel costs to and from their locations.

How to apply?

• Read the call for applications carefully.
• Create (if you haven’t already) a profile on the Music in Africa Artist & Industry section using this link: https://www.musicinafrica.net/user/register. Make sure that your profile is up to date, as this is the profile that the selection committee will review. Your profile must include a clear biography, two photos and social media links. Note: You may find your profile already created by a Music in Africa contributor. In that case, you would need to follow the online steps to claim it. Once you have control of your profile, make sure to update the information.
• Complete the online application form. No other format of application will be considered.
• It is imperative that you attach your CV and add a short motivation (why is it important for you to be trained, and how this will benefit you and your community).
• Proof of involvement or knowledge of instrument building (formal or informal) will be an advantage. Pictures will be required.

Complete the online application form HERE.

To be considered, send your application on or before 6 July 2020.

Selection process

• Eligible applications will be reviewed by a selection committee.
• Successful applicants will be notified by 31 July 2020.
• Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
• Only complete applications will be considered.
• Late applications will not be considered.

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The Music In Africa Instrument Building and Repair project is funded by the National Lotteries Commission. It is implemented in partnership with Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, Wits Theatre and Kaya FM.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Following our announcement of the 2020 Music In Africa Instrument Building and Repair workshops, and in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we would like to assure our community that we are closely monitoring and assessing developments with a view to make an informed decision. The overriding priority for the Music In Africa Foundation is the safety and security of our broader music community and everyone involved in staging this event.

We will continue to communicate transparently with all stakeholders, and event partners as the situation develops.

Please follow our online platforms for further updates.