Zimbabwe Academy of Music
What is the Zimbabwe Academy of Music?
The Zimbabwe Academy of Music is a registered welfare organisation (non-profit-making) that teaches music.
Although it initially received limited government financial support, it has for many years been entirely independent. It has extensive facilities that are available for hire and serves as a cultural centre for Bulawayo.
The Academy is formally linked with Girls College and acts as an adjunct to that school’s music department.
History of the Academy
The Zimbabwe Academy of Music was established in 1949 in rented premises as a non-profit-making organisation, welcoming students of all races and ages and actively seeking to encourage black Zimbabweans to study musical instruments. Its actual origins go even further back to a private establishment that originated in the mid-1930s.
It was always intended that it should have its own permanent home, and ambitious plans were laid by a group led by Robert Sibson and Malcolm Fleming. The first part of the new building went up in early 1953 and made an auspicious debut when Sir John Barbirolli laid the foundation stone on 30 June in that year, when the work was largely complete. This was what is now the south wing of the academy, and it was only the beginning of a more than twenty-year programme to create a truly ambitious building.
Ten years of fund-raising followed before another structure began to rise, the north wing, in appearance exactly the same as, but set some distance apart from, its companion, and connected to it by a covered walkway.
The grand design only finally became apparent when, after ten years and a lot more fund-raising including generous support from the Beit Trust, the central section of the building united the two isolated wings in elegant harmony. It was the most ambitious part of the scheme and included the main foyer, further studios, administrative offices, and the Beit Wing, including the library.
There was still further delay before its completion in early 1975, with, most impressive of all, the concert hall, very appropriately named after the man who did so much to create the Academy, Robert Sibson. It is easily taken for granted and overlook the fact that it is one of the finest small recital halls to be found anywhere in Africa, with perfect sightlines from every one of its 390 seats and an equally perfect acoustic for music.
In its early years, the Academy flourished, with at one stage, over 500 students on its books. When Robert Sibson retired as City Electrical Engineer, he took over as Director for ten years before being succeeded by Derek Hudson in 1974, who retired in 2003 and was eventually succeeded by Michael Bullivant in 2006.
Further improvements were made as a result of an arrangement with the Beit Trust and Girls’ College: the cellars and storage areas beneath the raked seating of the Sibson Hall were altered to create a large popular music studio and teaching area as well as a spacious instrument room.
There were also improvements to the hall with a much improved lighting system, and access to the stage was greatly improved by the creation of a second entrance, while breezeblock additions on the ground floor corridors and the fitting of gates improved the security of the building.
Other benefactions made it possible for the stage panelling to be sanded and re-varnished and the stage itself to be sanded and varnished for the first time. The grounds were also much improved, and a donation by Sandvik led to the creation of the Sandvik Centre, a large gazebo suitable for outdoor performances. And the foundation stone, largely unseen for many years, was moved to the right of the front portico and re-dedicated.
After Independence, numbers began to decline significantly and finally stabilised at around a hundred, but for seventy years, the Academy has stood for ambition, hope, and optimism as thousands of children and many adults have studied music and taken international exams.
Senator David Coltart has called the Academy ‘a jewel in the crown of our country, a vital force in cultural education’ and it remains confident that it will continue to play a major role in Bulawayo’s life as it prepares to celebrate fifty years since its completion and looks with confidence towards the future.
What We Do
The Zimbabwe Academy of Music teaches music of many types – classical, pop, jazz, and ethnic. There are teachers for piano and most orchestral instruments, as well as guitar, marimba, mbira, and, of course, voice.
On the popular side, guitar, drumming, voice, and other rock instruments are taught. There are pop and marimba bands. The Academy also acts as a cultural centre for Bulawayo – see below under ‘Events’.
Who We Teach
Part-time tuition is offered on instruments as well as theory and aural training. Internal examinations are offered, but students can also be prepared for external examinations offered by the London College of Music (the largest specialist music and performing arts institution in the UK, which has been in existence for over 130-years) as well as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
The Zimbabwe Academy of Music operates on three eleven-week terms that always coincide with school terms, usually beginning the week after the start of the school term. There are weekly lessons on a one-to-one basis, and students are expected to practice regularly. Holiday lessons are available by arrangement.
All students are accepted irrespective of age or ability, from beginners to capable musicians who wish to improve. The majority are of school-going age, but adult students are welcome, and there have been some as old as 80 in recent years!
Zimbabwe Academy of Music Events
The Academy hosts regular film and music DVDs – films on Thursdays and music on Fridays—concerts, operas, ballets, and musicals. These are open to anyone who wishes to attend, not just members of the academy; entrance is $2.00.
There are also frequent concerts of various types of music promoted either by the Academy itself or other organisations that hire the venue as well as other events.
Functions / Hiring of the Zimbabwe Academy of Music Venue
The Academy’s facilities are available for hire – the hall seats 390 and has a fine acoustic for music.
Smaller function rooms and the grounds including a gazebo are also available.
Rates are available on application.
The Zimbabwe Academy of Music complex includes a tearoom, The Note, which is prepared to cater for events of all sizes.
Zimbabwe Academy of Music Details
Where We Are
1 Hillside Road, Bulawayo.
Contact Details
Email: zam@gatorzw.co.uk
Tel: +263-29-226 0684, +263-29-226 7195
Mobile: +263-782 946 086
