Music school silenced: Athlone institute shut due to Covid
HIT HARD: Cape Music Institute located at Athlone Stadium
The popular Cape Music Institute founded by jazz musician Camillo Lombard in 2006 has shut its doors.
News of the closure has shocked local artists, many who have come through the doors of the school located at Athlone Stadium.
According to CMI chairperson Craig Nel, they’ve temporarily closed due to “a downturn of business, revenue received from college fees and low student admissions for 2021”, as stated by the CMI in a letter to parents and stakeholders.
Nel told the Daily Voice that the music school, which has five staff members, 10 first-year students and 14 second-year students who still need to graduate, closed as of 12 May 2021.
“Due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, we were unable to complete the academic year in 2020,” said Nel.
“Coupled with unemployment, reduced income, we believe negatively impacted current students willingness and ability to pay their outstanding fees.
“Past students simply stop paying at all.
“January 2021, new applications were very low and we were unsure if we're able to start the new year.
“In fact, most of the applications were from applicants requesting bursaries due to affordability.
“By the end of April 2021, we were simply unable to meet our financial commitment as we have very little revenue from fees.
“To prevent further exposure we decided to suspend all operations.”
The school was founded by Camillo, the late Gary Thomas and Ezra Delport to develop local music talent.
Singer and former CMI music teacher Tye Platinum says he had no idea the situation was so dire at the school: “As one of the first lecturers of that college, I am saddened by this situation. I am highly upset that it has come to this. What can be done about this?
“CMI was the go to college for musicians like me who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, there was always a sponsor to pay for the fees.”
Singer and fellow alumnus Candice Thornton, who also recently taught at the school, says she has faith they will recover.
“I am a product of this institute and I have personally seen how many of us are working full-time or part-time musicians in the entertainment industry.
“I feel the loss of the next generations of musicians/artists that would have come from the institute will be felt in the industry.”
Nel says closing the institution was “one of the most difficult (decisions) to make in my career.”
“We need new students, we need financial assistance for our current and past students.
“We need government agencies and businesses to step up and assist.”