Chapter 12 - Music

Summary

This narrative explores my journey through music performance and scholarship in the context of apartheid South Africa. It begins with my early music education that led to a crisis while studying Mozart’s A Minor Piano Sonata, highlighting the difference between technical competence and genuine musical understanding. The experience prompted a shift toward a deeper appreciation of musical phrasing, structure, and physical connection to the instrument under the guidance of Marian Friedman, who emphasized the nuances of musical expression and technique. The exploration extends to my academic work in musicology, revealing the performative aspects of scholarship and the dangers of merely imitating academic norms without authentic engagement. The realization catalyzed a pivot toward the study of South African music and the adoption of a decolonial approach, rooted in cultural and geopolitical identity. With new scholarly practices, I emphasize resisting mere performance and prioritizing local culture, risk-taking, and authentic artistic expression. The narrative captures a transition from technical proficiency to holistic and contextually grounded music and scholarship understanding.