AMP! was formed in 2011 by Gareth Walwyn and Shiloh Marsh as a result of the different things that were happening in their lives at the time. Gareth was becoming increasingly frustrated that the learning of music seemed to be more of a hobby in privileged schools. He wanted to teach in a way that would make a difference, in a way that was meaningful. Coupled with this was his desire to be part of a transformative process. He said that he had a sense that the socio-political scene in South Africa was wrong, in terms of the opportunities that people are given and the ones that they have access to. Both himself and Shiloh wanted to redress this problem. They felt the best way to do this was to provide those with a passion to be musicians, but who did not have access, a chance to receive an education in music. By receiving this music education the students would have a broader choice of professions that they could one day enter into.