The aim of Cool Classic Kidz is to give exposure to our talented young musicians, offer them something tangible to work for and to grow a sustainable audience for future musicians and ultimately create a sustainable market for our own professional performing classical musicians.
“I am a firm believer that South Africa and the Western Cape have just as much talent as Europe, America or any other developed country! It is sad that our professional musicians feel the need to go oversees to make it,” says Laurika Steenkamp, CEO of Music@Work and the woman behind this initiative.
Music schools and other schools across the Western Cape will be contacted regarding the project and will be offered the opportunity to send their learners for an audition at
Music@Work Recording Studio. Laurika will also travel to schools where transport is an issue, to audition the kidz. The project will be registered and will be applying for sponsorship as well. Until then, Music@Work is currently covering the cost.
Cool Classic Kidz will also have a website (under construction) where the profile of the performing kid will be featured, thus making it interactive. It will eventually be developed into a music club for young musicians.
Says Laurika, “I taught music for the past 20 years both in schools and privately and I realised that there was a great need for our young music learners (primary school level) to be inspired and motivated. When starting out it is very exciting, but soon our young learners realise that it takes hard work, perseverance and diligent practice to master an instrument and really learn to play well. I needed something that could inspire the young learners as well as something for them to aspire to. It was very important that this is something attainable to all music learners irrespective of their level of playing.”
We have proven in so many other spheres that South Africa can hold its own in the world. It is now time to grow our own markets and give exposure to our own musicians. Ask any primary school learner who Andre Rieu is – and they will know. There is no reason we cannot have our own stars in South Africa and this project is just the humble start.
If you share the passion and vision for this project and wish to get involved, you can contact Laurika Steenkamp on info@musicatwork.co.za.
