GQEBERHA native, Sasha-Lee Miles, has embarked on a remarkable journey from receiving a Christmas gift as a young teenager, to becoming a dedicated music teacher at Kuwait National English School in the Middle East. This vibrant and talented musician has paved a successful path in music education, focusing not only on her own growth but also on nurturing the talents of others.
Miles’ passion for music was ignited at the age of 14 when she received a violin as a Christmas present. Recalling the moment, she said, “I was ecstatic! I immediately went to the library to get a book on ‘How to play the violin’. I could not wait any longer for my first violin lesson to start.” This gift was the catalyst for what would become an impressive musical journey.
Her passion led her to pursue a comprehensive education in the field. She is an alumna of Nelson Mandela University, having graduated with a Diploma in Music Education in 2019, a Bachelor of Music in 2022, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching in 2023.
Sasha-Lee has trained under notable violin pedagogues, including Michael Alley, Pierre Malan, and David Bester. Her extensive training laid a solid foundation for her career in music education. She began by working as a violin teaching assistant for the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra Development Project in 2018 and later continued her teaching journey at the Music Conservatoire, where she taught part-time for four years.
In 2023, her teaching talent was well-regarded at Alexander Road High School, where she not only taught violin and viola but also conducted the school’s string orchestra. Under her leadership, the orchestra delivered a laudable performance at the String Convention in 2023.
Apart from teaching, Sasha-Lee remains an active violinist with the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. Her commitment and zeal for music have seen her participate in string workshops and work alongside accomplished pedagogues, which has significantly contributed to her growth as both a musician and an educator.
Sasha-Lee’s dedication to her craft and commitment to teaching have taken her beyond the borders of South Africa to the international stage. Having moved to Kuwait, she is eager to continue sharing her love for music through her new role at the Kuwait National English School. The Nelson Mandela University recently recognised Miles as the alumnus of the week, her journey from the small city of Gqeberha to the Middle East, is a testament to how a simple Christmas gift can unfold into a lifelong passion and a fulfilling career.
