Music school to kick-start AI support tools for music

Marsha Bothma|Published 1 year ago

The three Februarie brothers enjoying playing their songs for the crowd at the annual end-of-year concert for Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy. From left are Joshua, 11, on drums Jothim, 9, and Jethro, 7, on guitar.

It was a windy day in the sun but this did not stop the music as the Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy held their annual end-of-year concert at Deannie Landgoed, Stellenbosch on Saturday December 9.

Family and friends gathered to watch their loved ones perform and end of the year with good music, said principal Trevino Isaacs.

Drummers of the Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy doing the popular Christmas song, Little Drummer Boy.

Focused on playing all the right notes are Madison Matthews, 9 and McKenzie Moses, 7.

Next year, they will be launching workshops that look at exploring generative AI (artificial intelligence) as support tools, said Mr Isaacs.

“As support tools, generative AI is a catalyst for innovation and creativity that can help artists and musicians with lyrics, melodies, harmony, rhythm and various genres of music. AI tools must be used to increase and improve human creativity in exciting new ways, not necessarily to replace human creativity,” he said.

“As we enter our first decade of transforming local communities and society through music, we will start implementing and teaching students how to responsibly use artificial intelligence as a tool in music,” said Mr Isaacs.

Playing the jams in the windy sun on Saturday December 9 are Noah Dominick, 11, on bass and Joren Rapitse, 8, on drums.

Enjoying the song rendition are Jesreel Swartz, 17, on bass and Dale Mellem, 19, on electric guitar on Saturday December 9.

“Each year, I am immensely proud and mesmerised by the talented musicians and singers who come from Mitchell's Plain and the surrounding areas. So many people have not yet had the chance to experience these talented individuals, but that will soon start to change. I believe that there are so many more hidden gems, both young and old,” he said.

Spine Road High School Choir took to the stage in Stellenbosch at the Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy annual concert, singing and dancing to Yolanda Adams’ motion picture soundtrack, I Believe.

A video of West End Primary School’s, Zachary Skippers, 12, went viral. Due to this video he received a scholarship to study at the Mitchell’s Plain Music Academy. He played a beautiful rendition of Blackbird by The Beatles.

Each year, they get to see new students taking to the stage for the first time and others growing more and more skilfully and confidently.

“This was definitely a great start to celebrating 10 years of transforming lives through music. As we kick off our 10-year anniversary, I am hopeful that more of our local community will come to support and experience the richness of our communities,” Mr Isaacs said.

Despite the various challenges in the community, they remain excited about the future of Mitchell's Plain, specifically the performing arts sector, he said.

For more information about the music academy, via email them at info@mitchellsplainmusicacademy.com