Prof Ewie Erasmus was appointed from 1 October 2024 as Associate Professor in Music Education at the School of Music. Let’s get to know her better through her answers to the following questions:
[Originally published in the October 2024 issue of @theConserve newsletter.]
What are your goals and expectations for your new position?
I look forward to connecting with new groups of students, learning together, and exploring ways to promote authentic and compassionate music education within our unique South African context. I am also excited about the possibility of new research prospects.
What is your favourite time of the week at work?
It might seem a little odd to some, but I love the hope and “newness” that Mondays bring. A fresh start to a new week holds so many possibilities.
What is your fondest memory of being a student at the Conservatory?
Ooooh, this is a tough one. Honestly, the way that we could foster friendships as students in our “bubble” at the Conserve added so much meaning to student life — coffees and impromptu lunch breaks at (what used to be) Wiesenhof Coffee or the SS before and between class, endless late-night rehearsals with friends, library work sessions that turned into library social events, music education projects …
What are your top-3 favourite pieces of music?
It really depends on the day. 😉 Currently, I would say Little Blue by Jacob Collier, Still Waters by Leanna Crawford, and This Town by Jeremy Loops and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
How do you relax?
I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching fantasy or crime series, tending to my houseplants, and reading fantasy novels. I also recently started to attempt crocheting.
What made you happy recently?*
I attended the Red Bull show run in Sandton this past weekend, which was incredible, and I spent a recent weekend adding new flowers to our garden, which brings me joy daily.
* Inspired by the weekly segment on the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast.
