The Durban Music School (DMS) based in St. Andrews Street, was recently awarded 100 music tuition bursaries for disadvantaged students by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.

“This will, in time, make a huge impact on youth music in the province,” says Werner Dannewitz, Director of the School. “The other good news is that Cell C has agreed to take care of the running cost for another year. There are also regular sponsorships from the Bartel Arts Trust, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the National Arts Council who support the school with bursaries.”

“The school has come a long way in making sure Durban and the whole of KZN can benefit from the youth music programmes we offer. We are currently negotiating with two parties for further funding and all going well, we will be among the best to train musicians of a good professional standard.”

When the school opened in 2001, the board set an objective to have 450 students enrolled in tuition by the year 2006. This would comprise 150 full-paying students and 300 previously disadvantaged students on bursaries.

“While we are not quite there yet, we can clearly see the goal in sight and it is a wonderful testament to the support we have received from key funders and organisations,” says Werner.

The Lottery bursaries are for the following instruments: strings, brass, woodwind, percussion and guitar. Applicants, who should be between the ages of 10 and 14 years, will be guided by the staff of the Durban Music School on suitability and choice of instrument.

Application forms are available at the Durban Music School, 21 St. Andrews Street, or contact the DMS on 031 304 1001 to arrange an interview. Closing date November 15, 2005.