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Alexanne Tingley

A MUSICWORKS SONG! Written and performed by Lize Beekman

This is the story of MusicWorks and it has to be told and heard. It is the story of hope. It is the story of people who use music to open new worlds for children. It is the story of the power of music which gives children second chances. It is the story of children who are taught how to communicate even if they don’t have words. Through the generosity of a longstanding donor, MusicWorks today launches a commercial recording written and performed by well-known South African artist, Lize Beekman. Music has the power to change lives, especially where trauma and violence have disrupted lives. For singer and songwriter Lize Beekman the therapeutic impact of music is a reality she has experienced first-hand. Thus it was an obvious match between Beekman and MusicWorks, as we utilise music as a therapeutic tool to support traumatised, sick and disabled children in communities within broader Cape Town and the Cape Flats areas. MusicWorks has inspired Beekman to compose and record her first commercial song in almost four years. “This is How Music Works” tells the story of how children who have been numbed and silenced by trauma, disability or illness, are helped to find their voice through the… Read More »A MUSICWORKS SONG! Written and performed by Lize Beekman

This is how Music Works…

Since 2002, MusicWorks has established itself as a leading force around the world in using music to bring about social change. Driven by a passion to mobilise musical resources across the Cape Peninsula’s most marginalised communities, MusicWorks has used the power of music to provide its impact. Music Therapists working alongside Community Musicians established three programmes that focus on clinical Music Therapy interventions, an Early Childhood Development training programme and the Music for Life after-school programme. We invite you to watch this short film that brings to life the change that is brought about every day using Music as a powerful tool that brings about hope and possibilities.

Zandile’s Story

The MusicWorks Early Childhood Development Programme trains 12-15 participants over a 9-month period. During this time, the participants (pre-school teachers, social workers, child-care workers etc.) learn how to incorporate music into their day, while using it in such a way that will encourage VALIDATION of each child, INITIATION from the little ones in their care and PLAYFULNESS! Our aim is for the programme to offer more than just basic music skills. Rather, it offers a new way of thinking about children as well as the value of creativity. Furthermore, songs and activities are developed with the participants during the training so that they can see how opportunities for little ones to express themselves can be created throughout the day. This training consists of three phases, in order to ensure that each participant undergoes: 1) Their own PERSONAL PROCESS around creativity and the power of music (The Music Child Process); 2) Training WORKSHOPS, in which songs and activities are developed as well as the underlying principles (encouraging validation, initiation and playfulness); 3) An accompanied MENTORING process, in order to assist them in implementing their newly acquired skills. Zandile, who we see in this documentary, was a participant of one of our training cycles. She shares her… Read More »Zandile’s Story

Volunteer with MusicWorks

Commencing mid-January 2016, MusicWorks will have an opportunity for a volunteer to join our team for a fixed term period of between 6 and 12 months. This placement will ideally suit, (but is not limited to) an individual keen to gain experience in the fields of music therapy, music and development or arts and health. The requirements of the volunteer position include that approximately 50% of the time will be spent completing various office based activities with the remaining 50% spent on our various programme sites. A small stipend may be payable to the successful candidate. Core competencies should include: 1. Competency in Microsoft office (word, outlook, excel and power point) 2. Good writing skills 3. Documenting and record keeping skills 4. Competency in social media (facebook, instagram, etc) 5. Musical skills (but not a pre-requisite) 6. Willingness to learn and flexibility 7. Be part of a small team and embrace MusicWork’s driving principles and philosophy as outlined in the vision and mission NOTE: The Volunteer will be responsible for the following: 1. Visa requirements (if applicable) 2. Flights to and from Cape Town (if applicable) 3. Accommodation 4. Food and sustenance 5. Transport (it is strongly advised that the volunteer has a valid driver’s licence… Read More »Volunteer with MusicWorks

Bringing the Music Home

Please take 6 minutes out of your day and watch our film…it displays tenacity, courage and determination whilst demonstrating the incredible power of music. MUSICWORKS has been privileged to receive funds to not only rebrand our organisation, but to also make three short films on each of our programmes. The first film made by Plexus Films, showcases our Music for Life (MFL) programme. Following one beneficiary’s journey during a rehearsal process culminating in a concert within the Heideveld community, the story of Music for Life is told by Marcelino Fielies. Marcelino has been part of our programmes for the past 7 years, and his story is one you will never forget! Starting off as a beneficiary of our music therapy programme, Marcelino later joined our after school music programme, learn to play indigenous African marimbas. Displaying exceptional talent, Marcelino quickly progressed and although faced with his own internal struggles and cross roads, Marcelino made positive choices and is now a Community Music Facilitator intern with MusicWorks, training other young people from within his community to play marimbas and runs gumboot dance workshops in Lavender Hill and Heideveld. In a society where positive role models are in short supply, this young man leads from the front… Read More »Bringing the Music Home