Malawi kick-starts a Music Crossroads Academy!
Music Crossroads Malawi is excited about bringing formal music education to many passionate and talented artists who want to share the vision of expanding Malawi’s music industry.
Today marks the official start of the first course of the Music Crossroads Malawi Academy, welcoming the first students and following an orientation week. Excitement is heard throughout the rooms of the academy amongst students and the MC team.
“This is really going to change the face of music in Malawi. It is a dream which is finally materialising. Most importantly, it will assist the underprivileged artists to acquire music education through scholarship”, said Mr. Lackson Chazima, the academy vocal trainer.
Registration has been kept open until the end of April to give a chance to those who might still be interested to apply, and some of the scholarship opportunities are still available. MC Malawi is also advertising for weekend and evening classes. These will be conducted 2 hours on Saturday morning and 2 hours on Sunday afternoon. In the meantime, classes have commenced on 8th April with those who have already successfully joined this innovative music course.
Joan Mwale, amongst the youngest of the students added:
“I believe what I will learn at the MC Academy will open up my mind to a lot of things. There was a need for an academy because there are not many institutions for learning music here in Malawi… Especially for girls, as not many parents will let you go to learn from just anyone”.
The Director Mr. Mathews Mfune, welcomed the students on 5th April giving them a background of the academies project, guiding them through the premises where they will be developing their music skills, including the Library and Resource Centre, and acquainting them with other MC Malawi members and staff. Students had their photos taken for identity cards, and were given their own portfolio compiled by the academy teachers to learn more about the program, timetables, code of conduct and the credit point system.
Kingsley Tembenu, a student added:
“I am looking to improve my stage performance, for example, as I still have difficulties when I’m playing live… It’s great to have an institution where we can get proper education about the instruments, so it will benefit us a lot”.
