About
Introduction
Musiquelaine SA (MSA) stands as a pioneering music education organisation situated within Steenberg High School, nestled in the marginalised suburb of Steenberg in Cape Town. Our programmes are meticulously designed to address the gap in music education, offering a range of tailored programs for students from primary to high school levels. In a community where music is often overlooked in the academic curriculum, we aim to empower our youth by providing positive and enriching opportunities that go beyond mere musical pursuits.
Through our holistic music development and education programmes, we not only nurture musical talent but also instill invaluable life skills in our students. By immersing themselves in the world of music, they are exposed to a realm of creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. This comprehensive approach yields significant results, seen in improved school attendance, positive behavioral changes, and elevated academic performance among our students.
At the core of MSA’s philosophy lies a strong belief in the transformative power of music. By offering a nurturing platform for vulnerable youth to explore and refine their musical abilities, we pave the way for a future full of endless possibilities. Our programmes serve as catalysts for change, empowering students to make informed decisions and adopt lifestyles conducive to holistic well-being.
Through our unwavering commitment to music education, we are breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive community where every student can thrive. Together, we are building a solid foundation for success, composing a symphony of achievements one note at a time.
Empowering Students Through Music Education
The Genesis
In 2013, Mrs. Lainey Trequesser, a South African-born French luminary, felt a deep calling to give back to her homeland through her deepest passion: music. Acknowledging the profound impact music can have on young minds in shaping neurological cognition, enhancing receptivity, and empowering individuals, she embarked on a transformative journey merging music education, philanthropy, and community enrichment.
Driven by her visionary fervor, Mrs. Trequesser embarked on this transformative odyssey, connecting with like-minded individuals in Cape Town. A fortuitous encounter with the then principal of Steenberg High School, Mr. Andre Kraak, who shared her passion for students and the arts, led to the establishment of MSA at Steenberg High School.
Steenberg High School, located in a challenging environment in Cape Town plagued by social adversities such as high unemployment, crime rates, gang affiliations, and academic challenges, lacked a music curriculum, leaving a void in students’ lives. Recognising this need, MSA launched its inaugural music programmes as an after-school initiative in 2014, providing students with the opportunity to engage with music and discover their latent talents.
The official inauguration of the organisation in 2014 marked a transformative path for the students of Steenberg High School. MSA’s unwavering commitment to music education and its tangible impact on students attracted generous sponsors and benefactors. Their generous support led to the establishment of MSA’s dedicated Music Room on the school premises in 2017, offering a sacred and inspirational space for musical exploration and growth.
As MSA celebrated its significant 10th anniversary in 2024, it reflects on a decade of transformative impact through music education. The programmes not only provide students with access to music but also serves as a beacon of hope in the community, offering a positive alternative amidst challenges. Through MSA, students have discovered their talents, honed essential life skills, and nurtured confidence, setting sail towards a bright future.
MSA’s journey stands as a testament to the profound power of music and the unwavering dedication of its visionary founder, Mrs. Trequesser, and the collective MSA team. Together, they continue to uplift and empower the youth of Steenberg, Retreat, Seawinds, Lavender Hill, and Vryground, embodying music’s unmatched ability to transcend boundaries and inspire positive change, even in the most challenging circumstances.