Marimba Tuner

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Marimba Tuner. A Marimba Tuner tunes tuned percussion instruments such as marimbas and other percussion instruments. Marimba Tuners promote professionalism and apply a strong, positive work ethic. They apply a musical and acoustic background and the art of tuning a marimba to maintain the voice and character of the marimba. A qualified learner will be able to: • Tune fundamental and overtones of tuned percussion instruments according to the requirements of the musical scale of the instrument (marimba). • Make and repair marimbas applying woodwork skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the part-qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or is workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted for modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 2 qualification.

Music is a basic human function and plays a significant role in everyday life within a society, from advertising campaigns to live performances to the individual taking pleasure in it. In the African culture, music is a form of communication; it accompanies all human activities and gatherings, from marriage, birth, rites of passage and political activities. It expresses life through the medium of sound. African music includes a wide range of musical instruments. There is a growing interest in percussion instruments, especially in the marimba and steelpan. Participation in the annual International Marimba & Steelpan Festival (hosted in South Africa) is increasing and the demand for instruments is growing likewise. The demand for instruments such as marimbas and steelpans is unfortunately exceeding the supply, resulting in a waiting period of up to six months and more for instruments to be delivered. An increase in the availability of the marimbas and steelpans will create increased availability, particularly in the more rural and remote schools and communities in South Africa, providing an opportunity to youth to participate in bands and express themselves through music. The socio-economic benefits of competent Marimba Tuner are far-reaching. This part qualification aims to develop learners and promote professionalism and a strong, positive work ethic within the marimba and steelpan industry, while at the same time bringing it into line with international standards related to the production of these instruments. It provides learners with knowledge and skills to make, repair and tune marimba musical instruments. Qualified Marimba Tuners assist with the production of music instruments locally whereby supplying in the demand and reduce the dependence on imported instruments. This will increase availability of musical instruments to musicians, the public and educational institutions. These two instruments embrace and expand the African rhythm and culture and making these instruments available in rural communities will support the strengthening of social cohesion through communities coming together. It will also enable learners to receive a formal qualification in marimba and steelpan making and tuning where previously no formal recognition of this unique expertise and competence existed. Liaison with international practitioners from Trinidad and Tobago, which is the origin of the steelpan, highlighted that this is the first qualification of this nature. This part-qualification focusses on various aspects, including woodwork and metal work handicraft as competences for the making of the instruments as well as on the musical and acoustic background and art of tuning the instruments. Learners achieving this part-qualification can find employment with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are providing outreaches to schools and remote communities, or other Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) promoting music and arts in schools for tuning, repairing and maintaining marimbas and steelpans. They can also find employment at current manufacturing workshops or establish their own small businesses. However, with the additional skills in woodwork and steelwork, successful learners can enter the craft market as being self-employed, manufacturing steel and wooden craft products. No similar qualifications were noted on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) because the Occupational Certificate: Marimba Tuner has its own unique nature and content. Typical learners include qualified learners from learning institutions and persons currently employed in the industry without formal recognition. No professional registration is required to operate as a Marimba Tuner. The Occupational Certificate: Marimba Tuner is one of three part-qualifications of the Occupational Certificate: Tuned Percussion Instrument Maker. It provides appropriate exit points for competence related to tuning of marimbas offering learners an opportunity to achieve knowledge and skills for operating in the music industry as a Marimba Turner. Hereafter the Marimba Turner can enrol for the Occupational Certificate: Tuned Percussion Instrument Maker thereby furthering a career in Steelpan and Marimba making, repairing and tuning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the part-qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or is workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be exempted for modules through RPL. • Learners will be awarded credits for or towards the qualification or part qualification through RPL as provided in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for credits provides for the formal award of credits for, or towards a qualification or part-qualification registered on the NQF. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 2 qualification.

• Tune fundamental and overtones of tuned percussion instruments according to the requirements of the musical scale of the instrument (marimba)
• Measure, cut and assemble and repair marimbas to comply with the requirements of the musical scale, design and/or technical drawing.
• Apply knowledge of the influence of the mallet on the performance of the instrument when making mallets for use with various percussion instruments.