Hermann-Lietz School - Haubinda
Westville Girl's High School, Durban, South Africa
Phorms Süd
Rainer Langhans
Welcome
I am a pianist, music educator, and leader of music programmes with more than 30 years of experience as a performer and educator across South Africa, Germany, Austria, India, Morocco, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
My musical journey began in Bavaria and led to professional studies at the Mozarteum Salzburg, forming the foundation for a career that connects performance, education, and international collaboration.
Today, my work focuses on building ensemble-based music programmes, developing creative projects, and leading music departments across diverse school environments. I developed IMPACT, an ensemble-based approach to music education where students actively make music from the first lesson, regardless of prior experience.
This site brings together my work as a performer, educator, and programme builder — from classroom practice to concerts, workshops, and international collaborations.
Early Inspiration
Music has been part of my life from an early age. I began piano at five and later expanded into organ at our local parish, St. Martin, where I took on responsibilities as a young organist.
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 sparked a lasting 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.
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 approach in which every student — experienced or not — is involved in making music together from the first lesson.
My work is deeply collaborative, whether through co-teaching, cross-disciplinary projects, or building programmes that integrate music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.
At its core, my work is about opening doors: giving every student 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 work is grounded in IMPACT — an ensemble-based approach I developed through my experience as both a performer and educator, in which students actively make music together from the very first lesson.
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, or simply someone who connects with my work, feel free to reach out.
If you’re interested in ensemble-based learning or the IMPACT approach, I’m always happy to exchange ideas and experiences.
Music is about connection, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts, questions, or ideas.
