Marimba tutor’s journey leads her from Alexandra to Norway
From a quiet girl with a dream to a confident tutor heading to Norway, Tshepiso Langa’s journey with the Alexandra Field Band is a reminder of what happens when young talent is nurtured and given room to grow.
A marimba tutor, Tshepiso Langa’s story begins with a quiet girl who barely spoke and now leads with confidence and purpose. This November, she will represent the Alexandra Field Band in Norway as part of an international music exchange programme between South Africa and Norway.
“There’s a programme where we exchange ideas and how we teach,” Langa explained. “Last year, the Norwegians came here. This time, we’re going to Norway.”
Read more: The value of tutoring
She emphasised that the trip is more than just a passport stamp; it is a chance to grow, to learn, and to bring back knowledge that can uplift others. “Countries like Norway take music seriously. In South Africa, only a small percentage of people do. So, I’m going to get more experience and see how they actually teach.”
She believes her selection to represent Alexandra was based on important qualities she listed on her motivation letter, underscoring her journey, challenges, and how she has grown. She spoke about the challenges she grappled with that have built her into the teacher she is. “In the sections, there are different age groups and members who come from different backgrounds. So, as a teacher, you have to find a way to accommodate them all. You are always challenged to teach learners in different ways.”
Also read: Alexandra Field Band shapes futures through music
Langa joined the band in 2018, drawn to the snare drum after watching the national championships at Alexandra Stadium. “They were playing the snare drum, and I thought, I want to learn that. It was seen as a boy’s instrument, but that didn’t stop me.”
Her journey from drummer to tutor-in-training was shaped by persistence and a deep desire to learn. “I developed patience, and willingness to learn. I used to be one of those children who didn’t speak, but standing in front of band members gave me the confidence I needed to also succeed in class.”
Now a tutor, she teaches learners from diverse backgrounds and age groups, adapting her methods to meet each one’s needs. “You’re always challenged to teach one message in different ways. It’s not easy, but it’s helped me grow.”
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