Supporting 20 talented students to study music

We are delighted to be able to update you on the progress of our students. This month we thought we would focus on some of our piano students  – Jimmy, Benjamin, Maureen and Favour

Jimmy is a very committed piano student (ARSM standard)who’s remained focused on developing his skills on piano over the past year. He’s been working on repertoire ranging from baroque to 20th century encompassing various playing techniques, which has helped him elevate his command of piano. In addition, accompanying other instrumentalists, playing in ensembles and the choir in concerts, have all helped build confidence on the piano in general. Having taken on teaching in the past year, it has been a welcome aspect in building his experience as a musician as well as contributing to KMS’s strategy of training new teachers with all round knowledge and experience.

Benjamin’s studies in piano playing have progressed steadily (ABRSM grade 2-3) through regular practice and attendance during the past year of study. He’s smoothly transitioned from a beginner into ABRSM grading with relative ease. This has enabled him to learn music covering a variety of styles as well as technical drills through which he’s improving his skill. In turn, this has culminated in him scoring a distinction in music at Uganda Certificate of Education exams (O-Level).  About to start on A-Level secondary education, he’s committed to continue with practice and lessons with the aim of attaining grade 5 level piano within this year of study.

Maureen has been progressing well in piano (ABRSM Grade 2-3) over the last year of study, through committed regular practice and attendance for lessons. She’s responded well to instruction and has been meeting set tasks through which she’s managed to cover essential repertoire within a specified time frame. Technical aspects in scales and arpeggios plus Hanon finger exercises have helped in building confidence playing music of different styles, which hopefully will culminate into preparedness for examination at an opportune time.

Favour has always shown much enthusiasm on piano (ABRSM Grade 7-8), exhibited through rapid progress by covering repertoire encompassing a range of playing styles. He’s remained committed to practice, always looking out for new challenges in technical development. Focus has been very much on technical drills in scales and arpeggios plus sight reading. Although exams in music theory haven’t been possible in the past year, majorly due to the fact that he’d been a candidate for Uganda Certificate of Education (O-Level), it remains a possibility as aspirations for higher graded ABRSM Certification in piano playing is very much desired. 

These are just four of our many piano students and it is exciting to see the students developing and to hear their playing as they progress. We will share more from our students next quarter.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

In the spirit of thankfulness and the joy of music, we are thrilled to share the inspiring stories of the young violinists of St. Mary Kevin School in Kampala, Uganda. These children are not just learning to play the violin; they are crafting their dreams with each note. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to each and every one of you for your unwavering support.

In the face of the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, our young violinists endured nearly two years of unexpected disruptions to their education and daily lives. The shutdowns and rising cost of living added layers of uncertainty to their young lives.

However, the love of music became a guiding light, a constant source of inspiration, and a refuge during these trying times. With your continued support, we can help these students rebuild their dreams and passions, proving that even in the darkest of days, music is a beacon of hope.

Meet Desire, Tendo, and Fiona, three extraordinary young talents who have embraced the violin as their lifelong companion.

Desire, a 14-year-old P6 student, discovered the magic of the violin when he joined the school in P3. "I enjoy the violin because it sounds good to me," Desire remarks. He dreams of playing this enchanting instrument in different countries once he completes his studies. He has already mastered "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and the iconic "Manchester United" song. Although he shared his musical talent with his parents during visitations, he is yet to grace a school assembly stage. Desire's wish for a keyboard to accompany his violin playing reflects his boundless enthusiasm.

Tendo, a P6 student who joined the program in P4, is equally passionate. He's mastered "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," "Manchester United," and "Happy Birthday." Tendo's love for the violin grew as he watched bands on television, and his early exposure to videos of violinists ignited his passion even more. He longs for more violins, as some are in disrepair. Tendo has shared his music during visitation days but yearns to play in a school assembly.

Fiona, a 12-year-old P5 student, embarked on her musical journey in P4 because she was captivated by the mesmerizing sound of the violin. Fiona dreams of becoming a professional violinist and is determined not to let her lessons end in P6. She has already mastered the same songs as Desire and Tendo, but her dream of performing in a school assembly remains unfulfilled.

Their stories are testaments to the transformative power of music in young lives, and it's all thanks to your support.

As we approach Giving Tuesday on the 28^th of November, we kindly invite you to be a part of their journey and the future of other budding musicians like Desire, Tendo, and Fiona. Your continued support will help them continue their musical adventures and dreams.

Thank you for making these stories possible. Stay tuned for the next installment in two weeks, where we'll introduce you to more talented students and share additional opportunities to make a difference through the power of music.

With heartfelt thanks,