Hermann-Lietz School - Haubinda
Westville Girl's High School, Durban, South Africa
Phorms Süd
Rainer Langhans
Welcome
’m Rainer Langhans, a pianist, music educator, and international school leader with more than 20 years of experience teaching and performing across South Africa, Germany, Austria, India, Morocco, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. My journey began in Bavaria on a toy piano and grew into professional studies at the Mozarteum Salzburg, eventually leading me onto stages, into classrooms, and across cultures worldwide.
For schools and recruiters, this site highlights my teaching journey and leadership roles in international education.
For colleagues, it shares the creative projects, ensembles, and workshops I have built around the world.
And for my students and families, it offers a glimpse into the performances and experiences that continue to inspire my passion for music today.
Early Inspiration
Music has been part of my life since childhood. I began piano at five, later expanding into organ at our local parish, St. Martin. As a teenager I discovered rock, pop, and blues, which inspired me to form my first school band at fifteen. During my studies, I performed as a keyboard player in local bands and gave private piano lessons at VHS Laufen to support my education.
These early experiences as both a performer and teacher laid the foundation for my dual path in education and on stage. They not only shaped my skills as a musician but also ignited the passion for sharing music with others — a passion I continue to bring into my classrooms today. More about my performing journey can be found on the Performing page.
My Work
My career as a music performer and educator has taken me across continents — from South Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Along the way, I have performed on piano, my principal instrument, led both student and professional ensembles, directed concerts and musical productions, and built music departments in established international schools as well as in new schools starting from scratch.
For recruiters and school leaders, this page highlights my teaching and leadership experience. My teaching practice spans multiple curricula, including the British National Curriculum, German Abitur, SEK I and SEK II, IGCSE, A Level Music, and the IB Diploma Programme. I have directed Fine Arts departments and introduced IMPACT, my ensemble-based teaching concept where every student — experienced or not — is involved in ensemble playing from day one.
For colleagues, it offers insight into my approach to collaboration, whether through co-teaching, cross-disciplinary projects, or building programmes that integrate music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.
And for students and parents, my work is ultimately about opening doors: giving every child the tools and confidence to perform, discover their voice, and experience the joy of music-making.
Today
Today, I continue to combine performing, composing, and teaching. Whether guiding young beginners or preparing IB Diploma students, my focus remains on nurturing creativity, building confidence, and helping every learner discover the joy of music.
Let’s Connect
I’d be glad to hear from you — whoever you are and whatever brought you here.Whether you’re a student, a parent, a colleague, a recruiter, or simply someone who stumbled across my site, feel free to reach out. Music is about connection, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts, questions, or ideas.
