Music
Drums pound, guitars scream, voices soar – we have an instrument for every beat of your heart. Unleash your inner rockstar with expert teachers, fun lessons, and a community that grooves.
Rock solo on guitar, belt it out in choir, or join rhythm rebels on drums. We have wind, uke, even ancient African Marimbas! Want to rock the stage? Our bands rule assemblies, concerts, even the Artscape!
Music at Llandudno Primary School isn’t just notes; it’s teamwork, friendship, and your voice unleashed. So grab your passion, join our vibrant crew, and let’s make some music!
Drums
Do you have rhythm and more energy than you know what to do with? Drumming is the instrument for you. Drumming is taught by our two drum teachers from Mobile Music Academy, Timothy and Benjamin.
They use their own drum ninja syllabus which will have you performing songs such as ‘We will Rock You’ and ‘Titanium’ while learning to read music simply with their fun musical stories and rhythm games.
Guitar and Bass Guitar
The guitar, a portable string instrument, allows your child to practice anywhere. The guitar is taught by Angus Davidson who teaches you to read music and guitar tabs, which will enable you to perform your favourite classical and pop songs in no time at all. Guitars come in different sizes allowing children to play on them from a young age. Children can learn this instrument from Grade 2.
Piano
The piano is a wonderful instrument for children to learn the basics of music from as early as Grade 1. Piano lessons are taught by Mrs Pearce. Piano playing improves hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, memory, dexterity, and develops self-esteem.
Learning to read music improves language skills, and rhythm and counting enhances maths skills.
Singing
Singing lessons help a child improve their voice through coaching and practice. Children are taught how to breathe properly, sing in tune, read music, project their voice, and improve their stage presence. Singing lessons teach children to sing independently as well as in groups, allowing them to become well-rounded musicians. Our singing lessons are taught by Lisha Herbst.
Recorder
The recorder, a fun, small, portable, and affordable instrument, allows children to learn the basic concepts of music, rhythm reading, and counting from a young age. Children can start in Grade one. The Recorder teaches all the basic musical concepts for children who want to learn orchestral instruments when they are older, such as the Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone or Oboe. Recorder playing helps develop strong lungs and breath control, along with listening, eye hand coordination, fine motor skills, musical ear, memory and creativity. Recorder lessons are taught by Head of Music, Mrs Pearce.
Wood Wind Instruments
Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone
These orchestral and band instruments can be learnt from Grade 2/3 onwards, depending on the size of your child. These instruments are all portable instruments and are easy to perform and practice in different places. They allow children to take part in musical ensembles and Windbands, and perform a variety of music from classical to pop. Head of Music Mrs Pearce teaches the Flute, Clarinet and Saxophone.
Ukulele
Become a Ukulele Ninja with ‘Laughing Abe’ from Mobile Music Academy. TED-X speaker, Abraham van den Berg invites you to join his rainbow Ukulele tribe! Explore melodies, chords and songs with his unique colour-coded method which gets children playing their favourite songs in a matter of weeks. Individual and group lessons are available for Grade 1 -3.
Marimbas
The African Marimbas are one of Africa’s traditional instruments. What sets Marimbas apart from other instruments is you learn them in a group setting, with your peers. Marimbas build hand-eye coordination, they teach teamwork and trust in your band members. Marimbas are taught by Alistair from Mobile Music Academy and Xtreme Marimba. In no time at all, you will be able to play Traditional African Classics as well as modern hits and other genres.
School Bands
Our school currently has 3 bands. The Senior Pop Band, Grade 5 and Grade 4 Pop Bands. These bands have allowed children who learn musical instruments individually, to come together to rehearse and perform as a group. The bands consist of piano players, guitars, ukuleles, drummers and singers. Performing as a group promotes teamwork, leadership, discipline, and musical interaction with each other in a fun and social way. Our school bands perform in assemblies, music concerts, eisteddfods and the annual Artscape schools’ festival.
Class Music
Music classes take place once a week, and are a chance for the learners to release their creativity through singing, movement, drumming, body percussion and percussion playing. We use rhythmic games to teach learners the basic music concepts of rhythm. Music demands patience, listening and collaboration. Learning about the origins of different music styles, singing songs, participating in musical games, compositions and stories has the ability to develop the creative side of all children.
Choirs
Our School has a Junior Choir (Grade 2 and 3) and a Senior Choir (Grades 4 to7). Our choirs sing a selection of current pop and classical songs chosen by the choir members. We perform regularly in school assemblies and concerts. Rehearsals take place before school, and are a wonderful way for children to warm up their minds in a fun creative way for the school day.
Grade R Music Appreciation Club
This is an after-school club for our Grade Rs to learn about the different musical elements. The various activities that take place are singing, dancing, rhythm games and learning about the different musical instruments.
Meet Our Music Teachers
We are fortunate to have some of the best music teachers offering lessons at Llandudno and we’d love for you to read more about who they are and what they have to offer.
Michelle Pearce - Head of Music
Mrs. Pearce holds a BMus Education degree and an Honours degree in African Music from UCT, as well as a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Roehampton University in London. She is an experienced and knowledgeable music teacher and therapist, having provided specialist music services to a variety of special needs, mainstream, and private schools in London and Cape Town for over 20 years.
From an early age, Mrs. Pearce began playing musical instruments, starting with the recorder and later progressing to the flute, saxophone, oboe, clarinet, and piano. During her time in London, she performed with various wind bands, including the Merton Wind Band, the Yeoman Surrey Band, and the SLJO jazz band. Currently, she performs at private events.
Her goal is to unlock her learners’ full potential by providing them with the technical guidance and foundational skills needed for success and enjoyment.
Recognising that everyone has a unique learning style, she customises her lessons to meet her learners’ individual needs, whether they aim to learn for pleasure or prepare for exams and concerts. Teaching is her passion, and she finds joy in sharing this passion with her learners.
Abe van den Berg - Ukulele
Abraham van den Berg a.k.a. Laughing Abe is our ukulele teacher who is also well-versed in classical guitar, double bass, piano and harmonica. He has a passion for teaching children through fun, colour-coded activities (such as Rubik’s cube) that enhance his rainbow music teaching method. He presented his novel pedagogic approach at Ted-X in 2021 and has been featured on Kwêla and Bokradio.
After winning the National Technology Olympiad for schools when he was 16, Abe was invited to study engineering after which he worked in the petrochemical industry for 3 years. While on a 2 year sabbatical, he travelled extensively and learnt to play the charango in South America. This led him to become Cape Town’s most colourful ukulele teacher, which caught the eyes of the Llandudno Primary team, who welcomed him aboard in 2019.
His latest accomplishment is authoring a children’s storybook, “Colour-Blind” , chronicling his journey from being a colour-blind engineer to his destiny of teaching ukulele while inspiring, entertaining, and educating children along the way. Abe is also the Chief Innovation Officer at Mobile Music Academy, who have adopted his colour-assisted approach for Ukulele, Guitar, Piano, and Bass.
Alistair Dickerson - Marimba Teacher
As a seasoned marimba teacher, deeply immersed in the world of music, I am dedicated to providing an enriching and enjoyable learning experience for students of all ages in Cape Town. In my decade-long journey as a marimba virtuoso, I have developed a passion for imparting comprehensive marimba education. My approach involves a unique fusion of African classics, rock, reggae, jazz, pop, hip-hop, and more, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging musical experience for my students.
In addition to technical instruction, I thrive on making each lesson enjoyable and fun. I introduce a variety of fun marimba games and skill-building activities that not only enhance the learning process but also create a dynamic and interactive classroom environment. It is my belief that fostering a love for music is as crucial as mastering the technical aspects of marimba playing. Specialising in both solo marimba and marimba band classes, I guide students through advanced techniques, intricate melodies, and the collaborative dynamics of playing in a group. Whether exploring the nuances of solo performance or the teamwork required in a marimba band, my classes aim to build a strong foundation for musical expression.
My ultimate goal is to nurture marimba bands within school communities, offering students the chance to showcase their talents at concerts and events. Join me on this musical journey, where the joy of learning and the magic of marimba converge in an atmosphere of enjoyment and growth.
Timothy Fortes - Drum Teacher
Timothy has a Bachelor of Music specialising in Jazz Studies at the University of Cape Town. He has worked as a professional musician for 3 years and choosing to specialise in jazz has provided a unique perspective in his musical playing career. His experience in the music industry has developed his expertise in musical performance, arrangement, composition, and improvisation. His interest extends to business in particularly management, consulting, financial technology, economics, and the financial markets.
Lisha Herbst - Singing Teacher
Lisha studied music at The College of Music at UTC from 1990-1993, doing her LTCL majoring in piano as her first instrument, under the esteemed concert pianist, Lamar Crousen. Her second instrument was voice and was coached by Desiree Talbot – an acclaimed opera singer.
Founder of her private piano and singing school, she has positively impacted students at Hout Bay International and Bay Academy. As a member of the Western Cape Philharmonic Choir, Lisha has showcased her vocal talent in various settings, including private performances. Her mission at Llandudno is to ignite a passion for music and impart valuable knowledge to the young minds she teaches. Lisha comes from a musical family – her father Dave Marks, is a record producer and songwriter; and her grandmother Leonie Downing has been an esteemed choir mistress and music teacher for over 50 years. Lisha adores singing and classes are fun, educational and have instilled confidence and joy in her students.
Lisha’s methods are adaptable and open to trying different methods to cater for each child she teaches. Lisha helps students understand the emotion of music and how to convey feelings through their singing. By combining these elements, Lisha can create a joyful and dynamic learning experience that not only imparts musical understanding but also fosters a love for singing. Her mission at Llandudno is to ignite a passion for music in each child and those who hear her students sing.
Benjamin Botha - Drum Kit Teacher
Benjamin believes that the versatility required in music prepares one for various aspects of life, and thus, he approaches teaching drum kit in a holistic manner. He started his drum kit studies with Heinrich Goosen, and although he specialised in jazz, he is comfortable teaching a diverse range of genres. He started his teaching career as an intern and accompanist at the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School, where he taught individual lessons and directed various music ensembles. He travelled and performed with the choir, both locally and abroad. Upon his return to Cape Town, he studied at UCT, and continued teaching drum kit privately. He has taught at SACS Junior, Cannons Creek, Reddam House Constantia, to name a few. He is currently working as a teacher and a performer on a full-time basis. He performs regularly with seasoned musicians in and around Cape Town, including the Fat Harry’s House band with Dan Shout, the Francois Botha (Best of Both) trio , and numerous other projects. He released his first single in January 2022 and can also play piano, guitar and sing. Most recently, he has delivered his second drum clinic, with more planned for the future.
Femke Bakker-Limburg - Violin Teacher
Femke is a classically trained violinist and experienced violin teacher who has over 20 years experience in music education, primarily teaching violin at all ages. She has a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. During her studies Femke performed with the Dutch Student Orchestra as well as leading a number of music ensembles performing and touring in Europe and America, including a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. During her membership of the “Aa String Quartet” they won the Prinses Christina Concours and had the honour of performing twice for the Royal Family of The Netherlands.
After graduating, Femke started her professional career in marketing within the cultural sector in the Netherlands, remaining connected to the Arts and music. When moving to South Africa with her partner, she rediscovered her passion for teaching the violin, realising the positive impact it has on the development of disadvantaged children through various outreach programmes. Femke is an advocate of the Suzuki violin teaching method, designed to educate children from a young age in a playful manner but also has years of experience with ABRSM and Trinity . The past 11 years in South Africa Femke has taught at a number of establishments including the Hout Bay Music Project, Pinocchio Crèche, and Hout Bay International School. Femke is passionate about teaching children and believes Plato’s philosophy: “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything”.
