Call for trainers: Instrument building and repair workshop

The training is part of the MIAF’s Instrument Building and Repair (IBR) project, which encourages the formalisation and professionalisation of instrument making and repair in Africa, especially in relation to indigenous African instruments.

Launched in 2016, the IBR project has enabled the Foundation to train dozens of young people, while providing online tutorials to a wider audience across the continent. Each year, the Foundation selects up to two focus instruments that become the central focus of the training. Previous focus instruments included kamale ngoni, umakhweyana, mbira, dulcimer guitar and marimba.

The training will take place in Johannesburg from 22 to 28 February 2025. Candidates (companies or individuals) are invited to propose their own instruments for training and building, and must motivate the relevance of such instruments. All participants will leave the workshop with instruments built during the workshop.

Note: This call is for qualified trainers and not participants. A call for participation will be made in due course.

Key responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive training on the building of your proposed (and approved) instrument. The training must also provide theoretical content. The duration of the training shall be no less than five days, with the possibility of working on a weekend.
• Purchase all materials required for the instruments.
• Provide all the necessary equipment (tools/machines) required for the instrument-making workshop.
• Assist in setting up equipment at the venue at least a day before the start of the workshop.
• Where necessary, trainers may have to pre-prepare certain components of the instruments with a view to completing the full instruments at the workshop.
• Provide a clear course outline to management before the workshop.
• Discuss with management as needed to improve the offering of the workshop.
• Prepare the components as per the agreed course based on the focus areas.
• Participate in the selection of trainees.
• Submit a short report to management.

Training dates are subject to change.

Requirements

• Proven track record as a trainer, with at least 10 years of training experience.
• Exceptional instrument building experience and knowledge.
• Professionalism. This includes being able to communicate efficiently with participants and the organising team at all times.
• Trainers will be required to be punctual at all times.
• Ability to deliver on time.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• All training sessions will be delivered in English.

How to apply

Complete and submit the application form, including the following information:

• Company profile or CV.
• Indication of the instrument you wish to focus on and a brief motivation on why it is important to focus on this instrument.
• Indication of potential focus areas in your course (course outline).
• Budget
• Any other information that may support your application, e.g. previous training programmes, pictures, videos, articles, etc.

The application deadline is 10 January 2025. Only successful applicants will be notified.

The Music In Africa Instrument Building and Repair project is funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) with additional support from Afrikayna through the VITA - Instrumenthèque d'Afrique project and Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), Siemens Stiftung Goethe Institut, University Of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill’s Creative Uprising Hub and Ukhozi FM.