Mr Jan-George de Lange (B.Mus-degree Student, 4^th year)
Classical and Pop Piano Specialist, Theory and Pre-School MusicEd Teacher

‘I started formal music lessons in 2004, at the age of 16, shortly after joining the choir at my high school, Hoërskool Florida. In this time of my life, I learnt that there is no greater source of inspiration than the day to day musical activities, and learning processes of the devoted musicians around me. My teacher was, at first, the choir’s accompanist. The choir’s conductor of the time was a master musician, one of the finest conductors in the country, my best friend of the time and up to this day, a very talented pianist. In preparation for the UNISA Grade 7 Piano Examination I was taught by another accomplished tutor. She inspired me tremendously, and refined my technique and helped open my mind and my ears to the sensibilities and beauty of Western classical music. Under her guidance I achieved the distinguished mark of 86% for my UNISA Grade 7 Piano Examination, after only having played piano for about 3 and a half years.

In the following year of 2008 I commenced studies in music at Wits university, where in my first year, under the tuition of concert pianist Malcolm Nay, and his own mentor and colleague, Pauline Nossel I had the privilege of winning the Dean’s prize for first year performance students.

Since then, it has been a learning process marked by performing, composing, experimenting and so on. One of my main deviations from the usual classical route has been my work with a Melville church band, performing religious music written in the popular music style, with other musicians and believers.

This has itself proven a learning experience, as it has had a powerful impact on my understanding and real world application of harmony, while helping me develop a feel for performing with other musicians, as well as improvising.

In all, what I would like you, the one reading this, to take away from my story, is none of the admiration others have expressed toward me, but rather a sense of inspiration. Be inspired by the knowledge that through perseverance, dedication, and a little help along the way, none of my achievements or abilities are outside of my reach. And nothing would be a greater honor than for me to join you on your journey of developing your musical expression.’