1 mins
Chris Njapa, cello
I chose UCT mostly for two reasons: the teacher, Graham du Plessis, whom I met through playing a concert together, and because I was curious about studying at a different institution in the
Western Cape. I think it's great to get multiple viewpoints and sources of feedback – one progresses quicker that way.
It’s not a super academic course. You choose a topic to research and write a dissertation on, but I’d say that’s 20 per cent of it, and the other 80 per cent is performance, which includes a solo recital, chamber music recital and concerto exam. I did my dissertation on the Prelude of Bach’s Sixth Cello Suite, comparing interpretations, editions and performances with modern and Baroque instruments. It was enlightening!
My day would typically consist of practising, sometimes a lesson or chamber rehearsal, and I’d often sit outside and listen to music during lunch to enjoy the sun. Then I’d do more practice, although if it was a really busy day I'd usually practise in the evening too. I really enjoyed how performance-intensive it was. I feel I came into a different level with my playing. A highlight for me was the concerto festival. I played Dvořák, which was really nice.
The scenery and nature are so beautiful in Cape Town, and the city offers so much! But sometimes doing nice things also requires having money, and as a student you don't always have that. I'm not the most social person but I’ve become more spontaneous since coming to the school.
The music department is very open and inclusive. There's opera, jazz, classical and African music, and everyone often watches their fellow students' concerts. There's a real spirit of camaraderie and respect for what others do. And sometimes collaborations between genres too, which is really cool!
I’ve learnt a lot in terms of coping with the pace of the performing and freelancing life, both from UCT and private projects on the side. It’s been a great environment for me!