Thembile Mahlangu

We sat down with Thembile Mahlangu to discuss her career so far and thoughts around music and education.

I would describe myself as a person who is passionate about music. Music defines me, it defines who I am.

When I was in grade 2, my parents decided to let me study a musical instrument. I started with soprano recorder, added an alto in grade seven and eventually progressed with violin starting from grade 10. My parents had a huge impact on me, they really inspire me. After school I continued my music studies and eventually, I became a music teacher.

I value being an orchestra member and a solo player. When you are a member of an orchestra in South Africa you have musician colleagues with so many different backgrounds... but then we practice a concert, we come together and share what we love. We come together and make music.

When you play solo, you have more time for yourself, to focus on what you can explore in yourself and how you can progress. You are forced to think out-of-the-box. What more can I do?

I've worked with a lot of women who share their love in music. I personally think the world has given women an empowerment to be able to explore what they love. Male or female, we are the same! Both can create something beautiful! A woman can conduct an orchestra or conduct a choir, and I do that!

Now, I am an educator. I teach creative arts and music to children. My focus is with two-way communication where I explain and then listen to my students. Having them engaged is the key. My students are 12 to 14 years old which is a challenging age, you know, they can be quite naughty! I tackle this with rules and discipline. You cannot learn music without discipline, and I am a hard worker and teach my students to have the same approach.

We have a great future in music. Lots of my students love music and they want to do so much more.

I think we should increase the music education accessibility especially in the rural areas. The new generations really love music, but they do not have access to it. I am involved in the Yamaha recorder program in public schools in South Africa and I find it great. For many locals this is the first and only opportunity to experience playing a musical instrument. Developing this program further will motivate more students to play and more girls to become music teachers like me.

You know, I have never experienced any difficulty in going forward, including gender related issues. I'm a person who has confidence. Wherever I go, I have confidence with the way I dress, the way I speak, so I never face any challenges. You have to be strong; you are who you are and You have a right to do what you love.

Do what you love, put all your efforts, resources, money, and mind to learn…always.