Our Programmes

Master Musicians Launch Heritage Music Mentorship Programme In Salt River

Registration Opens 22 June | Founding Cohort Begins Week of 6 July 2026

The TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange (TAJE) presents the Master Musician Heritage Music Mentorship Sessions — an intergenerational learning programme designed to preserve, transmit and celebrate South Africa’s rich musical heritage through direct mentorship by some of the country’s most respected artists and cultural practitioners.

Hosted at the TransAtlantic Cultural House in Salt River, Cape Town, the programme offers emerging musicians, students, educators, community practitioners and lifelong learners direct access to leading figures in South African music through weekly small-group mentorship sessions and lessons.

“The programme is rooted in the belief that some of South Africa’s greatest artistic knowledge exists within living practitioners and that direct mentorship remains one of the most powerful ways of preserving cultural heritage.”
— Ron Scott & Nasia Seria, Co-founders, TransAtlantic Jazz Exchange

The founding mentor faculty includes:

Mark Fransman

award-winning saxophonist, pianist, composer and educator

Hilton Schilder

renowned composer, multi-instrumentalist and cultural heritage practitioner

Dizu Plaatjies

indigenous music specialist, educator and cultural practitioner

Bheki Khoza

internationally recognised guitarist, composer and improvisation specialist

René McLean

acclaimed American multi-reed player, educator and cultural exchange facilitator (virtual sessions)

A Unique Learning Experience

The mentorship sessions are intentionally designed as intimate small-group experiences rather than traditional classroom-based instruction — combining oral traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, improvisation, composition, storytelling, ensemble practice and cultural heritage learning.

Participation is limited to ensure:

Direct engagement with mentor artists
Meaningful discussion and interaction
Individual artistic development
Opportunities for collaboration and performance
A supportive learning community

Places for the inaugural founding cohort are limited. Early registration is strongly encouraged.

Who This Is For

The programme is open to:

Musicians
Students
Educators
Community practitioners
Cultural workers
Lifelong learners interested in South African music, creativity and cultural heritage

Programme Information

Venue:
TransAtlantic Cultural House, Salt River, Cape Town

Registration Period:
22 June – 3 July 2026

Programme Commences:
Week of 6 July 2026

Session Times:
Weekly 2-hour sessions — 4:00–6:00pm or
6:00–8:00pm

Single Session Pass