NWU School of Music & Conservatory

Join us this weekend for Retractions: Isaqhubekeka, a powerful movement production exploring identity, healing, belonging, and the journey back to self.

We are especially proud to celebrate one of our own, as this production is led by our Concert Administrative Assistant, Mr. Yuhl Headman, who also happens to be a talented dancer and movement artist. Through movement, music, and storytelling, Yuhl invites audiences into a space that confronts silent emotional struggles, personal withdrawals, memory, judgment, acceptance, and the unseen weight many carry through everyday life.

"Who am I?" - "Ndingubani?"
"Where am I?" - "Ndiphi?"
"Where am I going?" - "Ndiyaphi?"

📅 Saturday, 30 May | 14:00 & 18:00
📅 Sunday, 31 May | 14:00
📍 NWU Gallery

🎟 Free Entry – All Are Welcome

Come experience a thought-provoking artistic journey where silence begins to speak.

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr Jannie Le Roux as Senior Lecturer in Collaborative Piano Studies. Dr Le Roux brings an immense wealth of knowledge to his field and will contribute to both our Classical and Musical Theatre departments. Jannie le Roux completed his Masters degree in Piano Chamber Music at Rice University (Houston, Texas) under Brian Connelly and his undergraduate and doctoral piano studies at the University of Pretoria under the guidance of Joseph Stanford. He has been a part time staff member at the University of Pretoria and Tshwane University of Technology and has been a full-time accompanist at the music department of Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Pretoria. He has a specific interest in newly composed South African piano chamber music and wrote his doctoral thesis on chamber music works by the 2 prominent South African composers, Alexander Johnson and Hendrik Hofmeyr.

Welcome, Dr Le Roux, we look forward to working with you!🎉

Following their first visit to Costa Rica and Colombia last year, Prof Tinus Botha and Mr Thomas Erlank returned for a second visit in April. Read more at our blog about their visit: https://nwumusic.co.za/2026/05/another-tour-costa-rica-colombia/

Several piano students had the privilege to attend the Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium at the end of March. Read at our blog what Sergio Tavares thought about the whole experience: https://nwumusic.co.za/2026/05/piano-stellenbosch/

Prof Piet Koornhof violinist and Ms Jana Mathee (piano) have successfully completed a concert tour in the Eastern and Southern Cape from 12–15 April. Read more at our blog about their performances: https://nwumusic.co.za/2026/05/eastern-southern-cape-concert-tour/

According to the Birthday Paradox, in a group of just 23 people the chances are more than 50% (50,05%, to be exact) that two people will share the same birthday. So, with 25 full-time staff members at the School of Music, how many colleagues do you think share a birthday? The answer is surprising and you can find it at our blog: https://nwumusic.co.za/2026/05/birthday-buddies/

Over the past year or so, Dr Jaco Meyer - Composer & Academic participated in two multidisciplinary art projects that were featured in galleries and at arts festivals across the country. Read more at our blog: https://nwumusic.co.za/2026/05/multimedia-collaborations/

Prof Mignon van Vreden published an article during March in Perspectives in Education which addresses the need to integrate education for sustainable development (ESD) into music teacher education using the Green Songs Project. Read more about this study at our blog: https://nwumusic.co.za/2026/05/green-songs/

Join us tomorrow night for One Night in Africa — a celebration of African identity, unity, and cultural heritage through the powerful language of music.

Presented by Volley Nchabeleng, this immersive concert experience will take audiences on a musical journey across the continent through the sounds of African indigenous instruments, storytelling, and rhythm.

📍 Organ Hall – NWU School of Music
📅 12 May 2026
⏰ 18:30
🎫 Quicket: https://qkt.io/Y7tvzB

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening celebrating the spirit and sound of Africa.