Alumna in the Spotlight!

This month, in our "Spotlight on our Alumna" we are excited to share that our musically talented Lamees Matwadia (RF2018) has been accepted into a student exchange programme at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, Sweden!

We caught up with Lamees to hear more about what she has been doing since Matriculating in 2022, and how she was awarded this prestigious opportunity: 

Lamees Matwadia (RF2018)

I am Lamees Matwadia (Ruth First Scholarship Alumna 2018), currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Music at North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom. My specialisation includes arts management, musicology, music technology, contemporary and commercial singing, and psychology.

This year, I have had the privilege to work for the NWU Symphony Orchestra and for the NWU School of Music’s research entity, MASARA, as their director's assistant, for which I have gained valuable knowledge with regards to professional etiquette.

Besides the growth I have had in my career, I have also had the pleasure to participate in a few notable events, such as the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF), for which I played violin, the National Association of Teachers and of Singing Masterclass with André Schwarts, and now I have been awarded the opportunity to study abroad at the Royal College of Music- Stockholm, Sweden.

Throughout my studies, the NWU School of Music has awarded three music students per year the opportunity to study at the Royal College of Music- Stockholm. This opportunity is only awarded to those who meet the following criteria:

·         Completed at least one full year of study at the NWU School of Music.

·         Are not in their final year of study.

·         Interested in music education.

·         Able to uphold the ethos of the NWU while abroad.

I decided to apply for this exchange programme as next year, 2026, I will be in my final year of study and required to write a dissertation, Exploring the under representation and misrepresentation of South Asian culture, people, and narratives in musical theatre, for which I can gain valuable data abroad, allowing my research to be more universal. In saying this, I was excited when I received the news that I had been accepted for the programme, which commences in mid-August 2025.

This adventure will not only allow me to explore different avenues in my research but also expand my way of thinking, learning, and interacting with other people in a musical setting, particularly the orchestra.

We wish you everything of the best Lamees, you always carry yourself with such humility and grace, and we know that you will make the most of this wonderful opportunity.  

Robyn Hill

Manager: Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust

ruthfirstjeppetrust@jeppegirls.co.za

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