Unisa Music Foundation
In 2005, the Department of Music was renamed the Directorate Music. Dr Chatradari Devroop became the Deputy Director, Professional, in 2009 and an informal parallel music assessment system known as Performance Level Assessments was introduced in 2010. Ms Arisa Voges succeeded Mr Saayman as Director in 2010 and Dr Mageshen Naidoo became the Deputy Director, Professional, in 2011. Prof Karendra Devroop was appointed Deputy Director of the Music Foundation in 2012, later serving as Acting Director from 2016 until his departure in 2024.
The new Hannah Davel Overseas Music Scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2012, and the same year saw the introduction of a new jazz curriculum and jazz assessments. Jazz examinations followed in 2013. In 2014, twelve new instrumental albums were published and, for the first time, albums for brass and woodwind were included.
Finally, in 2014 all the Unisa Graded Music Examinations of the Directorate Music were formally accredited as official Short Learning Programmes of the University, and 1400 music teachers were formally endorsed as Unisa music teachers. This watershed accreditation process coincided with the 120th anniversary of the Directorate Music which was celebrated with a special anniversary competition and concert.
The Directorate Music is currently headed by Prof Thomas Pooley as Acting Director and Mr Sean Adams as Deputy Director, Professional. In 2024, the Directorate will celebrate its 130th anniversary with a gala concert on 30 November.
Last modified: 2024/10/26