By Julia Downing | Project leader
What a time it has been recently at Kampala Music School with the new year beginning with a bang. We have a few things to highlight in the new year, including the joy of one of our students, Gabriella, traveling to Kenya to participate in the Young Musicians' Competition. Gabriella is currently preparing for her grade 8 flute and has been learning with the director for a few years.
She worked extremely hard for this and travelled to Nairobi twice: first for the preliminaries and then later for the finals. “I was nervous and worried, especially after hearing one of the pianists who played music by Albéniz and Chopin,” she said. Nonetheless, how calm demeanour, and smiles, won over the judges, as well as her impressive well-played music, technically and musically, which left them with no choice but to award her the first prize. She continued something that has become a tradition: when our students go to Kenya, we often succeed against all odds.
We would also like to highlight the journey of one of our students who is benefitting from the bursary scheme, something KMS hopes to continue. From here, we have students growing as future practitioners in various spheres of music.
A Journey of Growth, Resilience, and Music
Ian describes his lessons as a fulfilling journey. Initially, he struggled with counting notes, often playing without proper timing. However, through consistent training, he has learned to play while counting time signatures, significantly boosting his confidence.
He acknowledges that as his lessons advance, the complexity of the content increases. “I wish I could have an hour-long lesson instead of 45 minutes,” he says, recognizing the need for more time to grasp intricate musical concepts. Alternatively, he hopes to add an extra lesson in the week, though he understands his teacher’s busy schedule might make that difficult.
Ian’s journey has been both challenging and rewarding. His first lesson was nerve-wracking, and he struggled with stage presence. “I didn’t know how to engage with my teacher or even handle an audience.” Fear overwhelmed him—not just of his teacher, but of everyone at Kampala Music School (KMS). The school’s environment initially intimidated him, making it difficult for him to express himself.
His first performance was tough; his lack of confidence hindered his ability to communicate musically. However, Mr. Kiggundu encouraged him to practice and perform frequently to overcome stage fright. Now, Ian reflects on his latest lesson and sees how far he has come: “I can express myself without fear and play with confidence.”
Ian highlights several ways music has influenced his personal growth. “Time management has improved because I’ve learned to balance multiple commitments and prioritize practice.” His discipline has also strengthened, particularly in presenting himself—his teachers instilled in him the importance of presenting himself well.
Practicing trumpet has taught him resilience. “Learning music isn’t just about playing—it’s about breaking pieces into sections and mastering them bit by bit.” This approach has translated into his daily life, making him more focused and determined to push through challenges. His self-esteem has also soared, and he finds himself more confident in various aspects of life.
Being a bursary student at KMS has been life-changing for Ian. “Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have had access to such quality music education.” He is incredibly grateful for the chance to grow in his craft and pursue his passion.
The bursary has opened doors beyond KMS. He has volunteered at school events and assisted teachers, particularly in holiday programs. He also participated in a five-week training program at Brass for Africa, where he learned how to teach young children music—an opportunity he attributes to KMS. During a major event for Brass for Africa, Ian was given a solo performance in front of donors and guests. “The compliments and encouragement I received after that solo boosted my confidence tremendously.”
His Teacher, Shafic, himself a former bursary student, has this to say about Ian. “Ian is a highly motivated and self-driven student who consistently looks forward to his lessons. His dedication has resulted in remarkable progress in sight reading and tone production. He can now confidently sight-read pieces at a Grade 3 standard with precision. Over time, he has mastered all his Grade 5 practical pieces and successfully recorded them, while also covering Grade 4 theory in its entirety.
His musical ear has significantly developed, allowing him to recognize chord patterns and improve his aural awareness. Currently, Ian is working on trumpet sonatas as his goal for the new term. His enthusiasm and commitment to his craft are evident in every lesson.”
Looking ahead, Ian sees his musical journey as more than just education—it is shaping his career path. “Being a bursary student hasn’t just impacted my learning; it has inspired the direction I want to take in life.”
Ian’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and transformation. Through the support of KMS and its donors, he has not only developed into a skilled musician but also grown in confidence and discipline, equipping him for a bright future.
Thank you for your ongoing support adn for enabling students such as Ian to benefit from a musical education.
By Julia Downing | Project Leader
By Julia Downing | Project Leader
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