Tuned Percussion Instrument Maker

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Tuned Percussion Instrument Maker. A Tuned Percussion Instrument Maker maintains, services, tunes and makes tuned percussion instruments such as marimbas, steelpans, and other percussion instruments. Typical graduate attributes for the qualifying learner are to promote professionalism and apply a strong, positive work ethic and a unique combination of woodwork and metal work handicraft competences for the making of the instruments as well as a musical and acoustic background and art of tuning these instruments. 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 and steelpan). • Make and repair marimbas applying woodwork skills. • Make and repair steelpans applying metalwork skills.

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 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 Tuned Percussion Instrument Makers are far-reaching. This 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, tune and care for tuned percussion musical instruments. Qualified Tuned Percussion Instrument Makers will produce music instruments locally whereby supply is in 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 (marimba and steelpan) embrace and expand the African rhythm and culture. 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 its nature. This 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 qualification can find employment with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that are providing outreaches to schools and remote communities, or other Non - Profit Organisations (NPOs) 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 professional registration is needed for Tuned Percussion Instrument Makers to operate within the industry. Typical learners include qualified learners from learning institutions and persons currently employed in the industry without formal recognition. The Occupational Certificate: Tuned Percussion Instrument Maker entails three-part qualifications which provide appropriate exit points for competence related to tuning or music instruments, woodwork skills and metalwork skills respectively and is demarcated as Marimba Tuners, Marimba Makers and Repairers and Steelpan Makers and Tuners. Learners achieving any one of these three-part qualifications will be equipped with employable skills and will have the competence to seek employment and earning an income. Both the Occupational Certificate: Marimba Maker and Repairer as well as the Occupational Certificate: Steelpan Maker and Tuner serve as entry points into the qualification; where after learners can progress to achieve the Occupational Certificate: Tuned Percussion Instrument Maker.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the 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 and steelpan).
• Measure, cut and assemble and repair marimbas to comply with the requirements of the musical scale, design and/or technical drawing.
• Measure, cut and assemble and repair steelpans 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.