South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT)

About the South African Society of Music Teachers

The South African Society of Music Teachers, known as SASMT, is the country's oldest professional music society. Its Afrikaans name is Suid-Afrikaanse Vereniging van Musiekonderwysers, or SAVMO. The Society celebrated its centenary in 2019 and operates as a registered non-profit company.

SASMT serves music educators in universities, colleges, schools, music centres and private practice. It has three main aims. It wants to unite the music teaching profession, to advance the interests of teachers, and to keep standards of competence and dignity high. Eight local centres, including Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Gqeberha and Tygerberg, bring members together across the region.

How SASMT supports students

The Society supports music education in more than one way. It runs national competitions, such as the Atterbury National Piano Competition and the National Youth Music Competition, and it coordinates regional ensemble events. These give young musicians stage experience and useful feedback.

It also manages several named funds. They include the Ellie Marx Memorial Scholarship for string instruments, the Gladwell Scholarship, the Kathleen Irish Scholarship for piano and the David Reunert Bursary. Each fund has its own focus, so a violinist and a pianist may look at different awards.

The SASMT Study Bursary is the general fund for members. It helps with music studies and is designed for people already inside the Society's professional community. It is not an open bursary for the general public. There is no formal employment work-back obligation, because the aim is to grow music education and performance in South Africa rather than to recruit for one employer.

What to know before applying

Membership is the key requirement. Published criteria say that you must be a South African citizen and a paid-up SASMT member of more than two years. You must also be studying, or intending to study, towards a music qualification. A student who joined the Society only recently will therefore not qualify yet.

The value of the bursary and the closing date are not fixed in the information we found. Both can differ from year to year, so confirm them directly with the Society. The official SASMT website lists its contact details and the executive office that handles enquiries.

If you are not yet a member, consider joining early. Membership also gives access to the Society's competitions, centres and professional network. Prepare proof of your membership, your study plans or registration details, and any supporting letters from your teacher. In addition, read each fund's description carefully so that you apply for the award that fits your instrument and your goals.