Taking note, making music

It was not always my dream to study music, but I've always had a passion for it. That passion grew greater and I took a leap of faith and pursued my dream. I am very fortunate to be a student at Odeion Music School, the Juilliard of Africa, and my experience here thus far is definitely one for the books. Where I come from, it has never been “socially acceptable” to study music or any arts for that matter, but I wish to pave the way for many young people to do what they greatly desire, but can't, due to the pressures from society. It all started two years ago when one of the music professors, from the University of the Free State came to Namibia for a workshop with the (COTA) College of the Arts Youth Choir (I used to be a part of for four years) and also to basically recruit students to go and study music at their institution. Fannie Dorfling, the choir conductor of COTA, sent a message on the group asking if anyone was interested in studying music. Mind you, never had I imagined it was to study at a tertiary institution, nevertheless in another country. Knowing myself, and that I am a liker of things, I pitched up at the audition. After being informed that the studies were to be undertaken at a university, I knew I wasn't qualified as I had not done any music theory or whatever prior to my audition. Also, I was in the 11th grade. That is when it all happened, the seed was planted and I was actually considering this music thing, and from around that time, up to the end of my matric year, I had to do whatever I could to qualify for the music school. Hermien Coetzee and Betsie Barnard made that possible for me… I have so much love and appreciation for them!When I first arrived at the University of the Free State, I remember getting lost going to the residence. I finally settled in and had to really come to terms with what was lying ahead of me. Being an 18-year-old music student, in a different country, all on my own… that was a lot to take in. My first day at school at the Odeion was amazing. I knew immediately that I was going to feel right at home. I attended my first lecture, walked into the class thinking I was in the wrong one because we were only five! After my first day of lectures, us the first years, were provided with keys to our own practice rooms with pianos. When I went missing in action, look for me and that's where you would find me! Well, I underestimated how difficult being a music student was going to be. It requires patience… a lot of patience! I didn't think it was going to be unicorns and rainbows, but I definitely didn't expect it to consume my life. During the time that I have been there, I have learned so many things about music, when it all began, music in the Mediaeval Ages, Renaissance, learned about the greatest musicians and composers to have ever lived, so many styles and genres of music I never even knew existed. I am absolutely in love with the art of classical music. It has been about three months and I am not even a quarter or halfway knowing all I must know about music. I am stoked and I cannot wait to learn and experience more of it. I must say one of the best things about being a music student is being able to attend all the concerts, mostly for free, and to be surrounded by such talented and passion-driven people, I am inspired by them every day. So, why music? Well, why not? Why should I succumb to societal norms and values? Why should I study something I am not passionate about? Being constantly questioned and judged has given me more energy to move on. To those who didn't believe I would make it, look at where I am. “Where is music going to take you?” Well, all I can say is, watch this space. I am here solely because God put me here. Life lesson; you will never impress everyone, regardless of what you are doing, so focus on yourself, and do what makes you happy because life is short. To parents: Support your children, regardless of divergent views. To children: you can do whatever you set your mind on.*Natasha Ndjiharine is a first-year student studying music at the University of Free State.

Taking note, making music

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-21

Please login to leave a comment

Taking note, making music

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-21

Please login to leave a comment

Login