Bheki Khoza’s journey is a remarkable blend of self-taught mastery, formal jazz education, and a heartfelt commitment to teaching. He bridges the gap between indigenous South African music traditions and global jazz practices—and continues to shape the next generation through music education, performance and mentorship.

Education & Musical Formation

Early musical upbringing: Born in Umlazi, Durban, Khoza’s first encounters with music came from his grandmother, who played the Jewish harp and harmonica, instilling a deep love for Zulu musical traditions.

Learning by ear: Growing up in Chesterville, KwaZulu-Natal, he absorbed musical styles from weddings, shebeens, funerals, and the streets. He learned guitar by ear and only later understood chord theory

Formal scholarship and studies: In 1991, Khoza earned a Talent Award and scholarship to study music in the United States. He enrolled at the University of Hartford, Connecticut, where he studied under the legendary saxophonist Jackie McLean, earning a Bachelor of Music and returning home in 1995

Piano and arranging skills: During his time in the U.S., Khoza also focused on learning piano—not merely as an instrument, but as a tool for arranging and communicating musical ideas more efficiently than on the guitar

Teaching & Music Education Contributions

Teaching at art centers and private instruction: After returning to South Africa, Khoza taught guitar at various art centers and schools, and continues to offer private lessons. He values teaching as “extended learning,” not just a job but a way to instill life discipline through music

Mentoring emerging musicians: Khoza has mentored many younger artists, guiding them in both jazz and traditional music forms.  “Best known for his jazz music, veteran guitarist Bheki Khoza, as "a musician's musician of the old school" by Wits professor of social anthropology David Coplan”.  TimesLIVE. (2013)  

Educational camaraderie: His approach to teaching blends technical mastery with personal growth—reflecting his own journey of self-discipline, alignment, and cultural roots. 

Bheki Khoza has decades of experience teaching Guitar, Bass, Piano, Saxophone, Trumpet  and Vocal Coaching from Grade 1 - 12 as well as extended teaching experience at University level. His teaching experience encompasses and includes syllabuses from both the Associated Board Of The Royal School Of Music (ABRSM) as well as the Trinity Syllabus set by Trinity College London. 

TEACHING CHRONOLOGY

2024 - 2025

Stellenbosch University (Part-time)

2 x year (2025 to 2026)

• Jazz musician Artist-in-Residence teaching and mentorship position at the Conservatory, Music Department at Stellenbosch University. The programme offers registered jazz students the opportunity to learn from prolific Afro-jazz South African musicians. 
  
  

“This inaugural artist-in-residence programme is a landmark initiative in the department’s mission to offer a rich, inclusive, and forward-thinking musical education, designed to bring diverse, world-class expertise to the academic environment by inviting leading artists to share their craft and experience with students. Our students are very privileged to have someone like him teaching, and workshopping and performing alongside someone of that caliber.”

- Extract from Stellenbosch Media Forum News, 31st July 2025

Read Full Article on this LINK

2024 - 2025 (Current)

Institute of Music and Indigenous Arts Development (IMAD) Khayelitsha - Part-Time

• Teaching piano and African Jazz Repertoires.  The Institute for Music and Indigenous Arts Development, is a non-profit organization focused on providing music education to disadvantaged youth. They teach various instruments and singing, with a primary focus on Cape Jazz.   IMAD also provides opportunities for students to advance to their youth band, and potentially pursue further musical studies. 

1980’s - Current

Private Music Teaching

• In-between teaching at institutions Bheki Khoza has been teaching private students. 

2005 - 2011

Academy of Sound Engineers, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

• Keyboard, theory of music, guitars, bass

2004

Damelin Academy of Sound Engineering

• Keyboard theory of music, guitar, bass

2003 - 2005

University of the Witswatersrand 

• Guitars and part of the examiners for undergraduate degree students

1987- 2002

• Central Johannesburg College 
• Alexandra Music Project 
• Dorkay House                                                 
• University of Natal, Durban
• Funda Art Centre, Alexandra
• Alexandra Art Centre

CONTACTABLE REFERENCES

Dr. Sibusiso Masholoane

University of KwaZulu Natal

Telephone: Office +27 31 260 1049   

Mobile: 072 239 9329

Email: mashiloanes@ukzn.ac.za

Dr. NM Tu Nokwe

Nokwe Creative Development Foundation

Telephone: +27 78 068 0057

Email: tunmnokwe@gmail.com

Dr. Ncebakazi Mnukwana

University of Stellenbosch - Department of Music

Telephone: +27 21 808 2345  

Email:  mnukwana@sun.ac.za