Music Academy
About
The St Dominic’s Music Academy is conveniently located opposite the school, at the intersection of Market and Kruger Street.
We offer lessons from Monday to Friday, between 13:30 and 17:00.
Our Academy welcomes students from both St Dominic’s School and the wider community, ranging in age from 5 years old to adult.
For the convenience of St Dominic’s students, we provide a pick-up service from school to the Academy before their lesson, as well as drop-off service back to school after their lesson. Parents are also welcome to drop off and pick up their children directly from the Academy. For our Pre-School children, we kindly request that a parent or guardian drop them off and collect them from the Academy.
Disciplines offered
- Piano
- Guitar
- Vocal Training
- Drums
- Violin
Fees
R200 per lesson, per student, per discipline.
Instructors
Amara Gounden – Piano
Amara Gounden had her initial piano lesson at the age of 4, and her profound adoration for the instrument compelled her to never cease playing. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to impart her lifelong passion for music to a new generation through teaching. Amara has successfully completed her grade 8 practical piano exams and grade 5 theory exams under the guidance of Trinity College. Furthermore, she is currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree. In addition, Amara serves as the esteemed pianist for the Gauteng Schools Youth Choir.
John Skinner – Violin
John Skinner has been providing private music lessons in Boksburg for an extensive period of time. He has received comprehensive training in piano and violin from various esteemed instructors. Under their guidance, he successfully completed practical music exams and obtained licentiates from both UNISA and Trinity College of London. Moreover, he accomplished a Bachelor of Music Degree from UNISA with a notable distinction in Harmony and Counterpoint. Additionally, he expanded his knowledge in stringed instruments, including the viola and cello, and subsequently earned a Higher Education Diploma. Currently, John is pursuing studies in the harp and also finds pleasure in recreational micro-lite flying.
Dylan de Wet – Drums & Guitar
Dylan de Wet has harboured a lifelong passion for music, which he finally decided to pursue in 2020. He embarked on his musical journey by immersing himself in the works of his favourite artists and diligently emulating their drumming techniques. To enhance his skills, he successfully completed a comprehensive studio sound engineering course. Subsequently, he enrolled at COPA (Campus of Performing Arts) to further his understanding of music theory. Presently, Dylan is an active member of a band that regularly performs live gigs. Additionally, he has had the opportunity to record music with his band in a professional studio setting. Sharing his knowledge and expertise, Dylan has been involved in private music tuition as well as teaching at COPA, catering to students of all ages.
Refilwe Makgato – Vocal Training
Refilwe Makgato holds a National Diploma in Vocal Art: Choral Training and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Tshwane University of Technology. She has actively participated in notable productions at TUT, including the Opera gala, Nelson Mass by F.J Haydn, and Amandla Awethu by Q Sibisi conducted by Thami Zungu in 2017. In 2018, she portrayed the role of Barbarina in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro at the Breyten Bach theatre, and also showcased her talent in the opera Jewels during the 2018/19 season. Besides her singing endeavours, Refilwe is a dedicated music teacher and voice specialist. She demonstrates her commitment to community upliftment initiatives through her involvement with Tswalanang Edutainment NPC, her membership as a chorus member of Mothopo Wa Mmino NPO, and her role as a conductor of the marimba band at St Dominic’s School.
Lerato Mofokeng – Vocal Training
Lerato Mofokeng developed a deep passion for music at a young age, which inspired her to actively participate in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod from 2007 to 2015. During this period, she garnered numerous prestigious accolades. Throughout her academic journey, she also joined various community choirs, where her exceptional vocal abilities were recognized. In 2008, she became a member of the esteemed Cantare Children’s Choir, embarking on captivating tours across Africa and several countries worldwide. Determined to pursue her musical aspirations, in 2017 Lerato enrolled in the Vocal Art in Performance program at Tshwane University of Technology. During her time there, she showcased her talent through diverse performances, competed in various competitions, and provided vocal training to choirs and students. Eager to enhance her expertise, she pursued further studies in Music, earning a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Presently, Lerato serves as a Music and Language teacher at St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, where she continues to inspire and educate her students.
Micayla Hird – Office Administrator
Micayla Hird, a former student of St Dominic’s who graduated in 2012, has a strong familiarity with the school. Following her departure, she successfully obtained a BA in Visual Studies from the University of Pretoria and has gained experience in various fields such as Advertising, Events Planning, Marketing, and Social Media Planning. Currently, Micayla holds the position of running the Alumni Office at St Dominic’s School. With her own background as a vocalist, she possesses a genuine passion for music and is eagerly looking forward to witnessing the growth of new musicians within the Academy.
Dalene Wood – Piano
Dalene Wood, a versatile piano instructor with a rich musical background, proudly hails from Rhodesia, now residing in South Africa. Fluent in both English and Afrikaans, she earned degrees in journalism and marketing management. Dalene’s musical prowess extends to classical and church genres, showcasing her expertise in piano, organ, and piano accordion. Her musical journey includes notable achievements, such as passing Grade IV (Lower) from The Royal Schools of Music and obtaining the Teacher’s Licentiate 1 Practical qualification. With a history of contributing her talents to various churches and excelling in Eistedfodds, Dalene Wood is a dedicated instructor, offering students a unique blend of musical proficiency and passion.
