Prof Mignon van Vreden is not only a beloved lecturer in Music Education in the diploma and degree programmes, but she has also been the programme manager for the BMus programme for more than five years now. This position has posed many challenges during the years, especially managing the external programme evaluation (EPE) process, but it is very rewarding to her to get to know the students in a special way and to share their lives and stories, which she will always cherish. After two terms as programme manager, she will “hang up her gloves” later this year.

Although her heart lies in teaching, she also regularly contributes to MASARA’s research outputs. Her research focuses on music teacher education: for pre-school, primary and high school, special needs, and education for the elderly. She mainly devotes the June and November exam periods to research, but sometimes finishing an article or book chapter requires the burning of some midnight oil.

Friday is her favourite time of the week because it holds the promise of the weekend. She has several classes on Friday, and they usually visit a few schools and facilitate music-making at a local care centre for adults with special needs. When her work is done, she feels that she has earned her weekend.

When she is not at work, most of her time is devoted to transporting her sons (Mom’s taxi!) or supporting them next to the sport field. But she also makes time for gardening, entertaining friends at her home, and playing in the church band. Ultimately, relaxing with a good book remains her favourite past-time, anytime, anywhere. During holidays, she and her family will most likely be in Hermanus where she likes to walk or run by the sea or swim in the sea.

What made her happy recently, was that she was able to see her sister and her family after the conference she attended in Stellenbosch [see item above]. It included a pleasant visit to Babylonstoren. But she was also very happy to be back home again afterwards — life with her husband Hansie and their four boys is her greatest adventure!