Distinguished teachers’ award for UKZN musicologist

Dr Andrew-John Bethke is the recipient of the University’s 2024 Distinguished Teachers’ Award (DTA), which recognises academics who demonstrate exceptional innovation in teaching, transformative learning outcomes, and sustained contributions to education.

These achievements, supported by rigorous evidence in teaching portfolios, highlight a commitment that goes above and beyond regular academic duties.

‘As a mid-career academic, Dr Bethke’s outstanding contributions to teaching and learning have impressed the Senior Awards Committee, with his teaching portfolio exemplifying meticulous quality and depth. He inspires our academic community,’ said UKZN Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku.

Bethke is a musicologist who studies various aspects of music, including its composition, structure, social function, and history. His journey at UKZN began in 2018 as a lecturer in Music Theory, and he quickly realised it was an environment where he could grow and develop as an academic. 

During his first year, Bethke attended four University Education Induction Programme (UEIP) courses designed to support the personal and professional growth of academics. ‘This significantly influenced my career trajectory,’ he said. ‘The sessions sparked my interest in teaching and learning, particularly in the areas of curriculum innovation and bilingual pedagogy.’ It was through these courses that he first learned about the DTA, which became a motivating factor in his development as an educator.

Focused on growth, Bethke has since engaged in various roles within the University.
He has been instrumental in leading the recurriculation of the BA in Music degree along with heading a newly developed foundation programme in the School of Arts.

Most recently he has served as the Academic Leader for Teaching and Learning within the School. ‘Each of these experiences has deepened my understanding of the university environment and encouraged me to respond to its challenges with creativity and adaptability,’ he said. 

Bethke’s area of research is also his greatest passion: church music. ‘Having grown up in the church, I have loved making music in sacred spaces, and I consider it a blessing that this passion also informs my academic research,’ he said.

Finding great joy in music ministry, Bethke plays the pipe organ at his local parish, leading the congregation in song. ‘I also enjoy spending quiet hours alone at church, practising and preparing new music – it is a deeply spiritual and restorative practice for me,’ he said.

Most of his work has focused on hymns and hymn singing, both historically and in contemporary contexts, having written about hymnody on mission stations in the Eastern Cape, including hymns composed by early Xhosa converts. 

‘I have explored how township and rural congregations localise Western-influenced hymns to reflect local musical and spiritual sensibilities. More recently, I have been researching early translations of English hymns into isiZulu. In addition to this liturgical work, I also publish on curriculum design and bilingual teaching practices, drawing directly from my classroom experiences,’ he said.

He acknowledges that his students have been vital to his growth as a teacher. Every year, he learns new strategies to support their engagement with the curriculum.

‘From the beginning, I have sought to foster a teaching philosophy based on mutual learning – recognising that while I bring expertise in music, I am constantly learning how to teach more effectively. At the same time, I see my students as experts in their own cultural and social contexts, and I draw from their insights to enhance my teaching practice,’ he said.

Bethke is honoured and humbled to receive this award. ‘It is especially meaningful to be affirmed by colleagues and students in this way,’ he said. Most importantly, the recognition confirms that his primary vocation lies in teaching and learning, which encourages him to continue growing in this area. ‘I am grateful to those who have mentored me along the way, and to the many students who have graciously engaged with my pedagogical experiments over the years,’ he added.

Outside of his work and music, Bethke dedicates his time to his nine-year-old son whose passions include soccer, cycling and gaming. 

‘I would like to thank my parents and family for their steadfast support throughout my academic journey. The path through academia is not always smooth, and their encouragement has sustained me through many challenging moments,’ he said.

Bethke is also grateful to the many mentors who have guided him over the years: two school teachers, Ms Taylor and Mr Mitchell; three university lecturers, Professor Shirley Gie, Professor Michael Hawn and Professor Elsabé Kloppers; and Professor Barney Pityana, who gave him his first academic appointment at the College of the Transfiguration.

‘I also wish to acknowledge the clergy who have journeyed with me as I’ve grown in the church: Rev Anthony Gregorowski, Rev Dr Andrew Hunter, Rev Dr Keith Griffiths, Rev Dr Ron Philips and Rev Dane Elsworth. Each of them has played a formative role in my life and work,’ he said.