Maves Arts Music Consultancy is preparing for the second edition of its Music Camp, scheduled for December 8 to 12, with a programme focused on practical training, wellness and career development.
The five-day camp will bring together young musicians, teachers and arts enthusiasts for training in traditional, classical and contemporary music, as well as dance and wellness.
NewsDay Life & Style spoke to Maves Arts Music Consultancy director Kudakwashe Tendai Mavedzenge about the camp’s objectives, curriculum and long-term ambitions.
ND: What inspired this year’s programme, and what makes the 2026 edition different?
Mavedzenge: The inspiration came directly from the community. After our first camp, teachers and young musicians told us they wanted more training time, instruments and practical tools they could take back to schools and communities.
This year, we have expanded the programme to include violin, viola, cello and double bass, alongside a dedicated Music and Dance for Wellness component. The focus is therefore not only on performance, but also on capacity-building, wellbeing and creating pathways for using music in schools and communities.
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ND: What lessons from the inaugural camp influenced this edition?
Mavedzenge: The first camp showed us three things: there is strong demand for hands-on training; collaboration between performers and educators strengthens learning; and participants are interested in how music and dance can contribute to wellbeing.
Those lessons informed the broader curriculum, extended mentorship and the wellness component.
ND: Why was Philadelphia Schools in Borrowdale selected as the venue?
Mavedzenge: The venue offers spacious facilities and rooms suitable for ensemble work and individual tuition. We also want an immersive learning environment that is disciplined but enjoyable.
Mornings will focus on technique and theory, afternoons on ensembles and practical sessions, while evenings will feature mentorship, jam sessions and performances.
ND: Why train teachers alongside musicians?
Mavedzenge: If we train only performers, the skills leave with them. When we train teachers, those skills can remain in schools and reach many more learners.
We are building a sustainable pipeline while also equipping performers with teaching, arranging and community leadership skills.
ND: What does the curriculum offer?
Mavedzenge: Participants will train in marimba, mbira, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar and dance.
Marimba and mbira connect participants with Zimbabwean heritage, while strings, guitar and dance open pathways into classical, contemporary and international genres.
We want to develop versatile musicians and teachers who can work across different musical settings.
ND: What is Music and Dance for Wellness?
Mavedzenge: It involves using music and movement to support emotional expression, stress management, social connection and wellbeing.
Participants will learn basic facilitation approaches that can be adapted for schools and community programmes. We also see potential career pathways for musicians beyond stage performance.
ND: Who can attend, and what can participants expect?
Mavedzenge: The camp is intergenerational, welcoming children from Grade 2, high school and tertiary students, teachers and other adults interested in music and dance.
No prior experience is required, with beginner, intermediate and advanced groups planned.
The daily programme will run from 8am to 6pm and include masterclasses, ensemble rehearsals, pedagogy workshops, mentorship circles and a final gala performance.
ND: What is your long-term vision for the camp?
Mavedzenge: We want it to become a major annual training hub where teachers are developed, young talent is identified and new work is created.
In five years, we hope to see alumni leading school programmes, community ensembles and professional projects.
The participation fee is US$160 and covers tuition, training materials, certificates, refreshments and accommodation. A US$50 deposit is required by September 1, with instalment payments available.