@theConserve

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Donation to Potchefstroom Service Centre

Louis Nel's piano recital on 23 July was presented as a fundraising concert to the benefit of Potchefstroom Service Centre's bus project. The concert raised R5,000 which was presented by [above, left to right] Prof Tinus Botha to Ms Cindy Lombard (Head of Socialisation) and Dr Sanet Janse van Rensburg (Director of Potchefstroom Service Centre).

RESEARCH

MASARA @ the Faculty of Humanities International Spring School

Reported by Prof Chris van Rhyn

The Faculty of Humanities hosted an enriching International Spring School from 16–20 September 2024 at the Khaya iBhubesi Conference Centre near Parys. This event brought together scholars, students, and professionals to engage in workshops and presentations that fostered academic collaboration and innovative thinking.

The participation of MASARA’s staff members and students contributed significantly to the Spring School’s vibrant atmosphere. Prof Chris van Rhyn [above, 2nd from left] led a workshop titled “Interactive short presentations and discussions of research ideas,” which encouraged participants to collaboratively share and refine their research concepts and conference presentations. This interactive approach was highly praised, as it facilitated dynamic discussions and fostered a sense of community among attendees. Prof Liesl van der Merwe, with the assistance of Prof Ewie Erasmus, conducted a workshop on ATLAS.ti 24. This workshop gave participants essential skills for organising and analysing research data, enhancing their methodological toolkit. Prof Janelize Morelli’s seminar on “Sonic methodologies in the humanities and social sciences” gave attendees an innovative perspective on sound as a research medium. Her insights into auditory experiences enriched the discussions and opened new avenues for exploration in the humanities.

The Spring School also showcased the fantastic work of MASARA’s students. Prof Mignon van Vreden [above, left] and her students Annabel Marais (PhD) and Tina Stodart (MMus) [above, 3rd and 4th from left] delivered compelling paper presentations. Prof van Vreden’s paper, “Exploring the meaning music students ascribe to developing pedagogical practices through AI-generated learning experiences in the Groovy Glockenspiels Project,” offered valuable insights into the intersection of music education and technology. Annabel Marais presented her paper, “The stories musicians tell about their music-making experiences in chamber ensembles,” highlighting the narrative aspects of musicianship and the personal connections formed within ensemble settings. Tina Stodart’s paper, “Exploring the meaning selected members of River Groove Collective ascribe to music-making through a CoMP lens,” provided an in-depth analysis of collaborative music-making practices, enhancing the discourse on community and creativity in music. Additionally, Wilhelm van den Berg [above, right], a fourth-year BMus student, attended the event.

MASARA’s involvement in the Spring School exemplifies its commitment to academic excellence and nurturing the next generation of scholars and practitioners. The positive feedback from participants underscores the impact of this gathering, paving the way for future collaborations and continued engagement in the humanities.

RESEARCH

Mitigating performance anxiety in opera singers

In our September newsletter, we reported that Mr Thomas Erlank delivered a poster presentation on his doctoral research at the 58th NATS Conference. We asked him to tell us a little bit more about his research.

Why are you doing this research?

The title of my research is “Exploring purposefully selected emotion regulation strategies to mitigate performance anxiety.” This topic emerged from my personal experiences with performance anxiety during my tenure at a European opera theatre.

Performance anxiety remains a critical and relevant issue within the performing arts, supported by ample literature; however, there is a notable scarcity of research specifically addressing the experiences of professional opera singers in the European theatre context. This gap is significant, as the unique demands and cultural nuances of opera performance can influence both the prevalence and manifestation of anxiety.

This study aims to investigate how targeted emotion regulation strategies — carefully chosen based on existing psychological theories and empirical findings — can effectively reduce performance anxiety among opera singers. By focusing on this specific population, the research aspires to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between emotional regulation and performance outcomes in high-stakes environments. Through this investigation, I hope to bridge the existing gap in literature and provide practical insights that can enhance the well-being and performance of opera professionals.

How are you doing this research?

This research is conducted using a Technical Action Research (TAR) approach. TAR is characterized by its systematic and iterative nature, encompassing a cycle of four key stages: Planning (Preparation), Observation, Action, and Reflection.

TAR is guided by a fundamental interest in enhancing the control over outcomes in practice, emphasizing that the practice itself is a dynamic process capable of continual improvement. By employing this method, the research not only aims to mitigate performance anxiety among opera singers, but also contributes to a broader understanding of how emotional regulation can be effectively integrated into the performing arts. Ultimately, the goal is to create practical tools and strategies that empower singers to navigate their emotional challenges, thereby enhancing both their performance and overall well-being.

We will report on the findings of this research in a future newsletter once the study has been completed.

STAFF PROFILE

Prof Ewie Erasmus

Prof Ewie Erasmus was appointed from 1 October 2024 as Associate Professor in Music Education at the School of Music. Let's get to know her better through her answers to the following questions:

What are your goals and expectations for your new position?

I look forward to connecting with new groups of students, learning together, and exploring ways to promote authentic and compassionate music education within our unique South African context. I am also excited about the possibility of new research prospects.

What is your favourite time of the week at work?

It might seem a little odd to some, but I love the hope and "newness" that Mondays bring. A fresh start to a new week holds so many possibilities.

What is your fondest memory of being a student at the Conservatory?

Ooooh, this is a tough one. Honestly, the way that we could foster friendships as students in our "bubble" at the Conserve added so much meaning to student life — coffees and impromptu lunch breaks at (what used to be) Wiesenhof Coffee or the SS before and between class, endless late-night rehearsals with friends, library work sessions that turned into library social events, music education projects …

ALUMNI

Janca Smit continues to postgraduate studies at the University of Liverpool

Alumna Janca Smit completed her BMus studies in 2023 and just started the academic year at the University of Liverpool, pursuing a master's degree in music and audiovisual media. We asked her a few questions about her experiences so far:

What is your aim with this postgraduate study?

I would like to become a skilled composer. I am especially interested in film music composition and will be able to hone my audiovisual compositional skills during my studies. I know studying as an international student holds its challenges, but it can also broaden one’s horizons and be a wonderful, life-changing experience — which, I’m hoping, will be the case for me. However, after being in Liverpool for almost a month now, I can say that I know it will be!

Why did you decide on Liverpool?

When I discovered that the University of Liverpool offers this master’s degree, I immediately added it to my list of possibilities. I am honoured to have received offers from several UK universities and I did not know which university would be the right one for me. Then the University of Liverpool offered me a scholarship and the choice was perfectly clear. Also, my parents had been rooting for Liverpool from the start!

What does the course entail?

The Master of Arts in Music and Audiovisual Media involves learning to compose for visual media, whether it be composing for films, games, advertisements, virtual reality, etc.

Tell us a little bit about the city and campus.

Liverpool is amazing! This city is about 817 years old, has over 2,500 listed buildings, and is the hometown of The Beatles (see photo above). The buildings are spectacular, the people are friendly, and there’s music everywhere. I am very happy with my university accommodation, since the facilities are modern and well-maintained, and the staff is extremely helpful. The music department building is housed in three connected Victorian buildings — I get lost a lot ... — but luckily the staff and students are kind enough to help me get to the right places. I like the campus and enjoy taking walks from my residence to the gardens of the beautiful Abercromby Square.

WORKSHOP

DJ Cleo inspires CCM students

Award-winning DJ, instrumentalist, arranger, and producer, DJ Cleo, presented a workshop to CCM students in September. The session included discussions and tips on music production, the music industry, and how to start and build a career. It was a very inspiring experience for the next generation of music professionals!

STAFF PROFILE

Ms Bathandekile Myeni

Ms Bathandekile Myeni, administrative assistant in the general office, is usually the first and definitely the friendliest face that students and the public meet when they visit the Conservatory. We asked her a few questions to get to know her better:

What are your professional goals and expectations?

I’m currently studying for my PGCE, having already completed a degree in Business Administration. My ultimate goal is to one day run my own school, as I have a heart for people, especially children. I love helping others grow and become better versions of themselves. That said, I’m also still figuring it all out as I go!

What is your favourite time of the week at work?

Any day after 17:00 — when there’s nobody around and I can actually concentrate!

What are your top-3 favourite pieces of music?

This is a difficult one. I don’t have constant favourites, but here are my recent top picks (they might change next week😅):

1. Sipho Gumede — When Days Are Dark, Friends Are Few
   This one reminds me of my father.
2. Hozier — Too Sweet
   It’s just … perfection.
3. Joyous Celebration ft. Unathi — Oh I Trust
   I’ve been going through a tough time, and this song reminds me that I have a firm foundation.

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