A Music Academy, involves teaching musical instruments, drumming, singing etc. and performing concerts, workshops etc. The main performing group usually consists of about 40 musicians although upwards of 70 have marched in the annual Navy Parade through Simon’s Town. Another group of about 15 young musicians from the Saldanha music project are also thriving.

All students learn to read music and senior students are utilised to pass on skills to younger members. Student Teachers assist Cdr Oldham with classroom work, introducing some of the hundreds of Grade 3 and 4 pupils to the opportunities available at Izivunguvungu. Their elementary music skills can involve singing, rhythm exercises, reading simple notation, basics of how to produce sound on a musical instrument etc. The foundation is laid at this level for entry to the bands, singing groups etc.

Prizes were awarded in recent years for the most promising students and were kindly donated by a great friend of the music project, Wim Kosterman from the Nertherlands. Wim greatly assisted in the early days of the Izivunguvungu Youth Band by donating a full set of brass musical instruments via ‘De Driewerf’ a generous gift which benefits the students even today, despite the gradual wearing out of this much utilised equipment.