Academics

The particular location, environment and history of the Department of Music of Stellenbosch University have lead to a focus on art music in the most inclusive sense of the term (in large measure, but by no means exclusively, that of the Western tradition). This music is regarded as a “naturalised” form of musical expression. However, it is a focus on art music within a culturally diverse and socio-economically unequal society. Therefore the Department’s activities are not only designed to strengthen and to shape the future development of this heritage but are consciously intended to do so within the present challenges and implications of cultural diversity and socio-economic inequality.