The Duncan Ebedes School of Contemporary Music Interview

The Duncan Ebedes School of Contemporary Music recently opened its doors in July, the music school will be providing quality musical training and artist development for students of all skill levels and age groups. The school was started by Duncan Ebedes, the 28 year old singer / songwriter began his proffesional career in 2002, cutting his teeth under Benjy Mudies' indi record label Fresh Music, working with South African music giants and SAMA winners Nianell, Blk Sonshine and SAMA nominee Cofield Mundi.

Briefly describe The Duncan Ebedes School of Contemporary Music.

We are a contemporary music school focused on long term music training & artist development. We have a team of passionate, talented musicians/teachers who train & develop anyone who wants to get involved in music at any level. We teach the basics of learning to play an instrument, all the way through to helping artists record albums, play live & become music industry professionals.

What do you want to achieve with the School?

The idea behind the school is not only to teach and ensure complete musical competency, but also to prepare artists and musicians for continual growth and development in the music industry. I want to give those that just want to develop their passion & love for music, a chance to do so and also those who have the talent, a chance to go big in the music scene. 

You’ve lived in Johannesburg and studied in London, what made you decide to start the school in the Durban area?

There is a lot of music talent in South Africa & specifically Durban. Not everyone has the opportunity to go to Europe or America to study & train in the finest music schools & high level music academies. I want to give international credibility to local talent.

What sets you apart from other music schools?

Long term development. Not only will we teach you to play an instrument, but we'll help you write  your songs, record your album & get you out there in the music scene.

On your promotional poster you display the words “So you want to be rockstar?” what is the idea behind this?

Well besides the music lessons we offer, We've designed an artist development package that offers studio recording, a music goal/career plan, live performance training & practical music industry training. There are lots of people out there with talent, but not many who know what to do with it. We can help you achieve your dream whether you are ten or fifty!!.

What type of musicians are you hoping to teach?

Well we are currently teaching up & coming guitarists, drummers, song writers, singers, pianists/keyboardists. If you want to learn the triangle we will facilitate that!! :)

There is a big need for South African musicians to be managed properly, how will the music school bridge the gap in the industry?

Thats the key isn't it. When you have a team of people around you with knowlege, experienceand passion helping you work to achieve your goals, then you realize that nothing is impossible. My teachers are all musicians with years of experience in the music industry, so we have the experience & contacts to guide and nurture those that wish to spread their wings.

You've recently developed the “concept” for the music school while in London, what is the concept behind the music school?

Specialized music training. Identify where a persons music talents lies & build on that. Hands on training that gets results. Musicians need experience & training thats practical. We create an infrastructure and enviroment designed to improve skills and build confidence.

What’s the most important aspect of your school?

To provide the highest level & standard of music training.

You have an impressive staff of musicians, how important is it to surround yourself with talented people?

Its key. The music industry isn't easy, but when you work with others that share the same principles, then it becomes easier to achieve your goals.

Do you cater for musicians of all skill levels?

All types.  Any age and any level, as long as they are prepared to make some kind of commitment to long term training, we will work you. Not everyone we work with wants to become a star, but we have the infrastructure to help you achieve your specific goals.

What are your thoughts on the SA music industry?

People love to say that it's getting better when it clearly isn't. I try to be optimistic, but things haven't really changed much.  I think it's important to recognize how small S.A's music infrastructure is, and work with what we have. If we can raise the bar at a training & teaching level, than we have a real chance of making a difference.

Your new album "perseverance of the saints" is due for release later this year, what can we expect from this album.

Its an honest reflection of me as an artist. The production is simple & I think it does justice to the songs. I've been working on the record for the last five years so I'm pretty proud of it. A lot of the music I was writing ten years ago is only making sense to me now. So I think this album is a lot more foccused than my earlier work. I'm excitied to see what happens and so far the response has been really posituve.

Your new album is produced by Dave Birch & Brent Quinton, how did you manage to get together with them?

 
Although my music is folk, it has elements of rock & alternative. I have always liked the work Dave has done on rock albums in S.A, so he put the rock into a few of my tracks to give them that edge, and then Brent put it all together while keeping the flow of the folk singer /songwriter running through it the whole time.

Any final words?

I want to encourage those that are scared to do something with their talents, to step out and take a chance. Life is short and often we become to busy to follow the dreams we once had. If you do anything for the right reasons you can have a lot of fun!!! Let us help you.

http://www.duncanebedes.co.za/site/