Music school opens stage for all ages
SPECIALIZED Music Training, a private music school which started in Port Elizabeth a year ago, held a voice concert for its students recently, with 34 of its 50 hopefuls performing in front of an audience for the very first time.
Established by Duncan Ebedes, the school is aimed at developing local musical talent and teaching basic instrument training, all the way through to recording pupils’ original music and promoting them.
The concert, which was held recently at Grassroof, situated off the Seaview Road, saw pupils of all ages overcome their nerves and take the first step to launching their performing careers by singing their hearts out in front of family and friends.
Ebedes said performing was part of learning, which was why he decided to hold the concert for his students.
“There’s a big divide between learning and performing, and performance allows people to grow, builds confidence and shows your family how far you’ve come in your lessons,” he said.
Ebedes cut his teeth under Benjy Mudie’s record label Fresh Music, where he was instrumental in developing the careers of well-known music sensations such as Nianell, Blk Sonshine, Tait and Cofield Mundi.
Ebedes is also an established and accomplished guitarist and singer-songwriter in his own right.
He launched his debut album, Independent Thinking, in Johannesburg in 2003, with his first single titled Hold Me. The song became a hit on 94.7 Highveld Stereo and was playlisted on radio stations across the country.
Ebedes said although the school was officially based in Kini Bay, they travelled to people’s homes in order to make the classes more accessible, and were opening it up to a wider audience.
“We’ve got close to 60 pupils, with five teachers. Our youngest student is six years old and our oldest are a 72-year-old couple,” he said.
“Our students range from teenagers to guys who’ve just finished work and want something to do; a hobby to enjoy,” Ebedes, who is originally from Durban, added.
Financial adviser Carlo Dutton, 48, was one of the students who performed at the school’s recent concert.
Dutton said he and his daughter, Hunter, joined the music school a year ago.
“SMT has far exceeded my expectations. I’ve had lessons before and it’s just given me a new lease on life. Hunter and I are taking it up to become rock stars,” Dutton chuckled.
For more information visit: http://musictraining.co.za/