The core focus of the Riebeek Kasteel-based project is to provide quality music education to young people in the Western Cape, with a particular focus on youth in under-developed communities and 'youth-at-risk'.

The Project aims to develop the discipline and listening skills required for playing in a band, and to give band members the personal enjoyment and confidence gained from performing in public. It is active in many suburban and township schools as well as with street youth and with young people with learning difficulties. There are currently 16 steelbands being taught by the Steelband Project on a weekly basis, with an average size of 15 members.