Supporting 20 talented students to study music

The President of Uganda announced the full. The opening up and return to schools for many students was a welcome thing, with very many happy to resume. Many students had been closed out of learning due to school closures, restricted movement or both.

Students who had not been to school for over 80 weeks were just happy to return to regular school. Similarly, those studying music and instruments were happy to return to Kampala Music School.

One such student is Ian, a student of the B flat trumpet. Ian was very excited to hear that KMS had reopened. The news found him at home. He was excited to hear about KMS reopening because it immediately meant that he would be able to have more classes and more practice.

His teacher Shafic is also pleased to have Ian back. “Ian is extremely self-driven and is always hungry to learn. Learning new material highly motivates him.” The short-term goal is Grade 4 ABRSM and being ready for any performance that may come along. In the long term, Ian is working towards Grade 8 ABRSM. Shafique is also really, really excited to have him back. The enthusiasm was really evident in his voice and face. “ Teaching students such as Ian is fulfilling as he has big goals and ambitions. Having him back is a great experience especially given how much time we lost with the various lockdowns.”

For some of the students, a hybrid option for lessons ensures continuity in their sessions. One such student, Irene, has both physical and online depending on the circumstances. For instance, it rain hinders her ability to attend lessons, as it’s hard to get to KMS. When this happens, they have an online class.

Although she was studying all through covid, she is finding this so much better.” I get more during physical, body posture and explanations are better understood”. Many a time, though, the internet will just not hold up. The reopening news found her at home as she was doing coursework. “Seeing the teacher physically is so much better. When doing a piece, it’s hard for the teacher to accompany when the lesson is online.”

Her teacher, Francis, said, “We are working towards grade five ABRSM, sorting out her sight-singing and intonation issues; she is improving steadily. She is highly motivated, given that she is also studying music at the degree level. At the moment, it is such a big relief to have them physically. Such fun!”

St. Mary Kevin School suffered the most through the lockdown as schools were closed entirely. 30 students were studying violin but sadly had their studies disrupted. In addition, 80 weeks meant that some would end up dropping out of school, and the return, according to school officials, is slow. The programme will have to start afresh, as only three students from before remain, now in the candidate year, P7. School policy means that these three students need to focus on their regular school.

Both the teacher and the school are happy that these lessons are resuming. However, Sam, their teacher, is sad that none of the 30 he was teaching before can continue. But, hope abounds as this week a new 30 will start their journey.

The positive news of the pandemic beginning to ease and schools reopening is very positive on very many fronts. The teachers are thrilled to see the students again physically, and those who can make it are delighted to resume.

The future seems bright again, as all programmes get kick started again. We look forward to more students coming on to the programme. We continue to thank all for their continued consistency in giving to keep this programme alive. KMS hopes to keep on developing talent and changing lives.