Joan Lithgow

Joan Lithgow is a renowned South African marimba and percussion educator with over 50 years’ experience in music performance and teaching.

She holds a B.Mus and M.Mus from the University of the Witwatersrand, along with professional piano and teaching qualifications (LRSM, LTCL, HDE)

Joan has served as a freelance percussionist with major orchestras and as a marimba specialist with Education Africa, leading inclusive music programs.

She developed innovative marimba teaching methodologies and has trained hundreds of teachers and students in marimba ensemble performance.

Joan organised multiple National and International Marimba & Steelpan Festivals, promoting cultural exchange and youth music development.

She co-founded The Marimba Workshop and continues to champion marimba education as a tool for community empowerment across South Africa and beyond