Siya Charles’s earliest ambition was to become a neurologist. But her path shifted after discovering a love for music. Trained in theatre arts and a self-taught pianist, Siya, 34, took up the trombone in high school thanks to a jazz-loving teacher who inspired her to follow her passion. She earned her undergraduate and honours degrees in jazz trombone performance from the University of Cape Town, both cum laude, before completing her master’s degree at The Juilliard School in New York. Her academic journey was made possible by scholarships to both institutions. Now based in the US, Siya is a touring trombonist in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical and freelances in New York City. She is also an international student ambassador at Juilliard, helping new students settle into life in the US. She has won numerous awards, including the 2024 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz and the Emirates Pursuit of Jazz competition, where she performed at the Blue Note Jazz Club. Her work blends excellence with community engagement — particularly through jazz education at the National Youth Jazz Festival in Makhanda.
- In 2025, awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz. Also won the inaugural Emirates Pursuit of Jazz competition, which included the opportunity to perform original music at the world-renowned Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.
- In 2014, won the jazz component of the Fine Music Radio Bursary.
These achievements reflect the value of perseverance, consistency, hard work and character, demonstrating that success follows when belief in one’s talent and unique abilities is sustained.
The greatest role model remains my late mother, Dr Sylvia Charles. Her passion and ability to uplift others, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination, continue to inspire. She had an extraordinary gift for identifying people’s talents and guiding them to walk in their purpose. As a mentor to younger generations, she made it her mission to return to the villages where she grew up, in Qumbu, to encourage the community to engage in farming and development. Her work in civil engineering, construction and renewable energy was matched by her dedication as a businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Witnessing her walk in her calling remains one of the most inspiring experiences of my life, and her legacy of love and encouragement lives on.