A place to discover your true self
"Music brings people together. This academy does the same."
HARDSHIPS shaped and formed him into a better person. And with those experiences and his passion for music combined, he now reaches out to help young people discover themselves. Franz Geldenhuys, singer, artist and founder of the Alberton Academy of Music, talks about his life, obstacles and successes.
Franz’s vision for this academy is to see the hope in a student’s eyes as they realise their talent and worth in the world.
The academy offers everything – from solo to choir, to learning how to play many different instruments, to writing poetry or performing in theatre and musical productions.
“There is amazing talent all around us but most people don’t know they possess it,” Franz says.
“This academy is such a wonderful opportunity for artists to find themselves and chase their dreams.”
He adds that those who just want to experience it for fun are also welcome.
“With the variety of skills taught here, music class might simply become a new hobby, method of relaxation or escape for some.
“It doesn’t matter what level of talent or skill you have or what sexual orientation or skin colour you are – music brings people together and this academy does the same.”
Franz works with Cobus Coetzer and Zalman Davis and together they have done amazing music and theatre productions, including Grease and The Sound of Music. Franz used to have an international career in Austria, where he practiced opera.
Despite this success, he went through a number of hardships in his life, including being homeless.
He also struggled with substance abuse but, as he explains, if he had not been through these hard times, he would not have been able to empathise with and help so many “broken souls”.
Franz feels that one must have been through hardship oneself to truly understand the world and people who are broken. “People must realise that each one of us represent a piece of the world puzzle,” he says. “The world would be incomplete without even one, and we should all strive to make that puzzle piece the best.”
With a passion for music and helping young people discover themselves and find happiness, Franz loves giving back to the community – this is how he makes his “puzzle piece” great.
His message to future students: “Come to the music class, have fun, be yourself and everything you do is okay.”
Despite his positive spirit, he still encounters challenges when it comes to finding sponsors to support the academy.
“I know something great is coming; I’m sure of it,” he smiles.
For more information about the Alberton Academy of Music, contact Franz on 076 256 5938.
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