My Approach
Hi, I’m Armand J. Moolman.
Music has shaped every part of my life, and I believe it has the power to transform the lives of others too. Whether I’m teaching a beginner their very first notes, coaching an experienced performer, conducting research, or performing on stage, my goal is always the same: to help people experience music in a way that is meaningful, personal, and inspiring.
I’m a South African pianist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and researcher with a lifelong passion for understanding not only how we make music, but why it moves us. I hold Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from North-West University, specialising in Composition, Piano Performance, and Aural Sonology. I later completed a Performance Diploma and pursued doctoral studies in Aural Sonology and Piano Pedagogy at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, alongside earning a PGCE qualification.Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of learning from remarkable musicians. I studied Composition with Prof. Hannes Taljaard, Piano Performance with Dr. Truida van der Walt, and later continued my studies in Vienna with Prof. Martin Hughes. My international studies also included composition with Michael Pelzel and clarinet masterclasses with Manfred Lindner at the Folkwang University of the Arts.During my graduate years, I was fortunate to receive numerous bursaries and awards, including the SAMRO Composition and Performance Bursary for five consecutive years. As both a composer and performer, I’ve collaborated with ensembles and orchestras including the Winelands Philharmonic Orchestra, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble Zorba, Cross.ART Ensemble, the Wien Kammer Orchester, and the Teatro Colón Youth Orchestra. Seeing my compositions performed in South Africa and abroad has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.Yet, despite these experiences, what excites me most is connecting through teaching!
I love helping musicians discover that technique isn’t simply about playing faster or more accurately—it’s about finding freedom, confidence, expression, and your own artistic voice. Whether you’re preparing for examinations, competitions, auditions, concerts, or simply playing because you love music, every lesson is designed around you, your goals, and the way you learn best.My research focuses on Aural Sonology, music cognition, embodied musical experience, and innovative approaches to music education. I’m fascinated by how we listen, perceive, understand, and physically experience music, and I’m passionate about translating this research into practical teaching that benefits students, performers, and music educators alike.If you’re a performer looking to refine your technique and interpretation, a student wanting to develop lasting musical skills, or a music teacher searching for fresh ideas to enrich your classroom, I hope you’ll find something here that inspires you. I believe music education should be engaging, deeply human, and rooted in genuine connection.I’d love to help you discover just how rewarding your own musical journey can become.
My teaching philosophy is built on the belief that meaningful musical growth begins with well-being, curiosity, and lived experience. I strive to create an environment where students feel encouraged to explore, take risks, and discover music through doing rather than simply being told. The more you play, the more you learn; the more you wrestle with challenges, the stronger and more confident you become as a musician. Every student thinks, learns, and experiences music differently, which is why I take the time to understand how you learn best. By understanding your unique way of thinking, I can tailor my teaching to help you develop the technical skills, musical confidence, and artistic freedom to make music in the way your heart truly desires.