Supporting 20 talented students to study music

Kampala Music School in 2020

it is almost difficult to imagine that KMS is beginning to operate in its 3^rd decade since opening. it was an exciting time back then, with the furore of new millennium and with the hope to impact many people’s lives. This is something that has over the years been achieved and is something Kampala Music School wants to continue to do, with your help.

The beginning of this calendar year brings is also the 2nd term in the Academic cycle here at KMS. With students having done ABRSM exams in November, the turnaround for many to register and work towards the next grade was tough, but some were willing to take up the challenge and are working towards, in some cases, really high Graded exams in the coming sitting, slated for May to June. This determination to succeed is the focal point of this report.

John Paul has been on the programme now since 2017, where he was just starting out in various ways trying to find his way in music and in life. Having gone through a rough patch, he has been constant and committed since lessons resumed our classes this year January.  His teacher has been really happy with his work ethic and level of response. He is working towards Grade 7 in ABRSM, which will take him to a level higher than most guitarists in the country. He has been working hard and will showcase his talent in the upcoming showcase of Musical Garden Party this month.

Having set his mind to making music as a career, this opportunity afforded by the donors on this platform has meant that he has been able to have consistent lessons.  He has also achieved his Grade 5 Theory ABRSM and continues to grow also a teacher of basic beginning students, being mentored closely by the more advnance teachers at KMS.

Senfuka has been having lessons over the past 6 months and has shown good commitment and enthusiasm for learning. As a beginner without any skills in reading music, he gradually pulled himself though the basics by practicing regularly. Though the struggle at times to coordinate the movement of hands left hands particularly has been a real one for him. He’s learning to play from different positions on the keyboard in the keys of G and F. Looking ahead with continued practice with a focus in different areas, he should progress further from the introductory level to a higher graded level of playing. The determination is clearly there and we are hoping he will do very well.

Three new students have also joined the programme, Speciosa - Trombone, Ian - trumpet – and Daisy - Eb tuba are from areas scattered around the city, from Namuwongo to Kamwokya. The opportunity for lessons opened up late last year, and they were able to come to KMS and meet the GlobalGiving Visitor, they were finally excited when lessons began, and they have been taking part in these as well as Junior Orchestra, forming a good portion of the brass section.