Andre Visser

Andre Visser grew up in Port Elizabeth, where he started piano lessons at the age of 7, and saxophone two years later, immediately excelling in exams and local competitions. At the beginning of his high school career, he was offered an opportunity to learn the oboe, to which he took instantly, earning his Trinity-Guildhall School of Music Grade 8 in both Saxophone and Oboe within two years. From the age of 15 he participated in the various ensembles of the South African National Youth Orchestra Foundation on both his instruments, benefiting from coaching offered by world class tutors. Andre joined the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2nd Oboe seat in 2012. From 2013-2019 participated annually in the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival, where he received coaching and master classes from James Austin-Smith and Dwight Parry, he also participated in faculty concerts alongside world-renowned musicians. During his studies, Andre filled the First Oboe Chair for both the University of Stellenbosch’s Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphonic Ensemble and was an occasional member for ad hoc ensembles and orchestras in the Stellenbosch, Port Elizabeth, and Durban areas, including the acclaimed Stellenbosch Camerata and KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Andre performed as a soloist at the National Youth Concerto Festival presented by the KZN Philharmonic in September 2015 and 2017, and was also selected as a soloist for the 2017 University of Stellenbosch Concerto Festival.

He was a member of the faculty for the 2016 and 2017 seasons of the Swakopmunder Musikwoche in Namibia, where he taught individuals, coached chamber music groups, performed in faculty concerts and as principal oboe for the Festival Orchestra. In June 2018 he was invited to play in the Immling Festival Orchestra in Germany. He graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with a B Mus (Performance – Chamber Music) in April 2019.

From October 2019-August 2020 Andre was the head of Winds at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music in Kabul, Afghanistan. After which he returned to South Africa to continue his performance career, playing for the Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Mother City Orchestra.

Teaching has always been a passion for me. I like to carry my love for music over to my students. 

In my private lessons you can expect an energetic and patient teacher. My lessons cater to any level of musician and I will not expect something from you that I know you cannot deliver (yet). While I am patient I do expect my students to try their best.

With my extensive experience in the performing arts world you can expect the best results!