Garth Farrant (Founder / Owner / Rector)

Graduated from Pretoria Technikon Light Music Department with a Diploma in Light Music in 1992.

From January 1997 to Dec. 2002 Garth was employed by the National School of the Arts as the Manager for Music, overseeing 3 Head of Departments and 12 teachers. In 1997, Garth was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Arts Framework Committee and has been heading up the Music Component of the Framework Committee where he assisted in writing the NATED 191 syllabi for popular music. In 2002 he was elected by the Minister of Education to serve on the FET task team to re look at the existing matric music syllabi.

Garth is one of South Africa’s first qualified and registered Moderator, Assessor, Train the Trainer and Coach with Mappp-Seta.  This ensures that Campus of Performing Arts is on the cutting edge of music development and curriculum programs in South Africa.  Garth managed to achieve full MAPPP Seta accreditation for GSF Education t/a Campus of Performing Arts, the only fully accredited music provider in the Arts and Culture chamber of MAPPP Seta and is presently completing it’s 5th Sound Technology learnership.

As the owner of Campus of Performing Arts and a professional drummer of 21 years, Garth manages to balance both careers simultaneously ensuring up to date and hands on experience in both endeavors.

Garth saw the opportunity to peruse international accreditation for COPA and pursued a recently concluded 5 year franchise with ACM London.

SHANNON FARRANT (Owner)

I began working alongside Garth in 2000 at the NSA, when he desperately needed someone to assist with the admin, marketing, bookwork, etc. - allowing him the freedom to then successfully grow the department from year to year. At this time we ran the Department as though we owned it and took every opportunity to learn everything we could along the way. 

In 2003 when we made the brave (and yes it was a very brave) leap, we still had so much to learn but the passion, drive and dream was burning stronger than the doubts and fears.  In the beginning my job entailed enrolments, bookkeeping, timetables, exams, marketing, organizing ensemble evenings, functions, booking venues, issuing reports, capturing marks – the list is endless. As COPA grew, we were able to recruit and appointment admin staff to perform the necessary office tasks. 

I am now able to do what I love so much and that is - deal with people – my role is now to go out there and TELL EVERYONE ABOUT COPA – from Industry to Music Shops – to Newspapers – to Sponsors – MOST IMPORTANTLY TO LEARNERS letting them know that their dreams and passions can become REALITY – just keep knocking – don’t doubt and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP !!

Deon Kruger (Guitar and Music Tutor)

Deon completed his National Diploma from Pretoria Technikon in 2000.  He has recorded and performed with Heinz Winkler, Joe Niemand and Helene Bester amongst others.  He’s been a member of the SAMA nominated band “The Narrow” for the past 5 years and is involved in live and session work.

Andrew Massey (Vocal and Piano)

After completing 3 years at the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir Andrew Massey went on to study music (majoring in Vocals) at Technikon Pretoria. He started his professional career in about 2001 and has since then been lecturing at Tshwane University of Technology (formerly Technikon Pretoria) and has been performing with some of the countries top musicians in the private and corporate sectors.

Celeste Ellis (Textbook compiler and Music Tutor)

Marcio de Brito (Drums)

Marcio has been playing drumkit for 12 years.  He studied Theory of Music and Sound Engineering up to N6 at the National School of Music.  Marcio has been part of a successful drumming act (1st Project) that have toured the country playing at numerous clubs, corporate functions, private functions, TV appearances, session work, theatric productions, studio work etc.  Marcio is currently involved in a top 40 band.  Marcio received his Grade 8 Rock School Certification, N6 Sound Engineering, N6 Drums and has just received his Tutor Training Certification from ACM, Guildford London.

Marcio plays Pearl Reference Drums and uses Pearl Hardware, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Remo Drum Heads, Zildjian Cymbals and is sponsored by Matt's Music. (www.mattsmusic.co.za)

Jason Green (Bass)

Nicolise Kruger (Language Tutor)

Nicolise completed her BCOM at the University of Potchefstoom in 2004.  She has been teaching since 2005 and teaches Communication and Maths Literacy.  Nicolise plays piano, guitar and vocals and has a UNISA Grade 5 in Music Theory.

Kurt Slabbert (Guitar)

Kurt has been playing guitar for 8 years.  He completed his 1 year Diploma at London’s Guitar Institute in 2003.  Kurt has played with international artist Tim Hughes, as well as playing in numerous bands including Jam on Tuesday.  Kurt does Production and Writing for jingles for Radio and Television.  Kurt has his Grade 8 Rock School Certification. Kurt has worked at the Campus of Performing Arts for the past 2 years and has been a hands on teacher from day one.  Kurt also received his Tutor Training Certification from ACM, Guildford London

Neill Pash (Sound Engineering)

Neill has been involved in Sound for most of his life not only is he proficient in Steinberg Cubase, Recording – Digital and analogue, Live Sound – digital and analogue, he also has his N4, N5 and N6 Sound Engineering qualifications.  Neill is presently the NQF4 and NQF5 Sound Technology Manager – he is a qualified facilitator, assessor, assessment designer and moderator. Neill’s other passion is playing guitar and he has toured throughout South Africa as well as taught guitar – he is presently involved part-time in Christian Family Church where he plays lead guitar and acoustic guitar – he has been involved here for the past 12 years.

André Behnke (Keyboard, Aural, Arranging)

André has been playing piano for the past 19 years.  He studied at Pretoria Technicon where he received his BTech Degree - majoring in Piano.  As well as teaching full-time at COPA, André is very much involved in the music industry and plays at numerous corporate gigs, weddings, parties, shows (e.g.. Frankly Speaking which ran for  2 months at Carnival City) etc.  André taught at Parktown College for 18 months before joining COPA - André's style is unique, vibrant and full of energy which he passes on to his learners and encourages them to be aspiring musicians in their own right.

Michelle Bird (Office Manager)

Michell Bird is lively, helpful and always friendly! If you want to know something, MICHELLE KNOWS EVERYTHING - she manages to get all her work done, yet still has time to help the learners, lend a friendly ear and encourage students on a daily basis.