TUT proudly announces its leadership role in a new innovative project entitled the South African Music Technology, Innovation and Capacity Building (SAMTIC) project, funded by the ERASMUS+ programme.
The project brings together a number of universities in South Africa and the European Union with the aim of transforming music education in South African higher education institutions (HEIs) through technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and cross-cultural collaboration. Over the next two years, SAMTIC will focus on equipping higher education institutions with the latest music technology skills, upgrading recording and training facilities, revising curricula, and producing professional and artistic results.
This project directly responds to an urgent need in South African higher education, where many music faculties lack modern digital infrastructure and training facilities. Through local expertise and connections with leading European institutions in Germany and Bulgaria, SAMTIC gives both educators and students access to cutting-edge practices such as digital audio production, recording, music for film and games, and the creative use of AI in music.
The project brings together staff and students from TUT, the Nuremberg School of Music, Sofia University St. Klimentzofritsky, the University of Pretoria, UNISA and the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS). Over the next two years, the project will be rolled out through eight intensive work packages. Key activities include training staff in Europe and South Africa, upgrading recording space and laboratory infrastructure, and revising the curriculum to incorporate current trends in music technology and AI.
One of the most exciting outcomes of this project was the production of three collaborative CD recordings between South African and European partners. These recordings will be released on international digital platforms and will highlight both the artistic collaboration and the advanced skills acquired through the ERASMUS+ partnership.
Professor Calendra Devloup
The SAMTIC project was conceptualized by TUT Professor Karendra Devroop, who serves as project coordinator. Professor Devloup is an internationally recognized musician, researcher, and arts administrator with over 25 years of experience managing large-scale cross-cultural initiatives.
Professor Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean of TUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design, said: “This grant will significantly advance research, innovation, teaching and learning at TUT, particularly within the Faculty of Arts and Design, by enabling us to adopt some of the latest technologies available around the world. We are truly honored and proud to be spearheading this ground-breaking project that will firmly position TUT as a global leader in the fields of music technology and AI.”
The success of this ERASMUS+ grant was made possible with the direct support of TUT’s senior management. Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC) Dr. Vati Papu Zamzaka played a key role in supporting and guiding the grant application process and grant contracting stage.
Similarly, this grant would not have been possible without the support of Professor Ben van Wyk, DVC: Teaching, Learning and Technology, who personally advocated for internal funding to support the upgrade of the TUT Recording Studio. Both DVCs’ support for this project will ensure that TUT aspires to and achieves the highest possible standards in research, innovation, teaching and learning, highlighting TUT’s leadership role in the arts in South Africa.
SAMTIC is funded by the European Commission through the ERASMUS+ Capacity Building Program in Higher Education (CHBE). This is a well-known funding opportunity that supports cooperation between Europe and partner countries. The project fosters the priorities of digital transformation, skills development and internationalization and is closely aligned with South Africa’s need to prepare future generations for a rapidly evolving digitally creative community, while also addressing the strategic priorities of the European Union’s Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2026.
For more information, please visit www.samtic.co.za.
