Garth Farrant (Founder / Owner / Rector) Graduated from Pretoria Technikon Light Music Department with a Diploma in Light Music in 1992. From January 1997 to December 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 has served on all the music SGB (Standards Generating Bodies) which have written more than 10 full qualifications from NQF2 to the new BMus. Garth is one of South Africa’s first qualified and registered Moderator, Assessor, Train the Trainer and Coach with Mappp-Seta.  This ensures that COPA 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 has recently completed its 8th learnership. As the owner of Campus of Performing Arts and a professional drummer of 24 years, Garth manages to balance both careers simultaneously ensuring up to date and hands on experience in both endeavours. Garth saw the opportunity to peruse international accreditation for COPA and pursued a recently concluded 5 year franchise with ACM London.  The ACM ‘way’ has seen COPA rise to the top of SA’s contemporary music colleges.  Garth is pursuing growing the COPA brand around South Africa with Cape Town next on the list.  Copa HAS SUCCESSFULLY ACM’s Diploma in Performance and Production, Higher Diploma in Performance and Production and we have just finalised the right to implement ACM’s BA Hons Degrees from 2009 starting with Performance and production with Music Business set to follow in 2010. Deon Kruger (Guitar) 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 has shared the stage with Korn and Underoath. Deon is also involved in live and session work, has played in the Christian Family Church worship band since 2004 and played on ‘The Plain Truth’s first DVD recording. Andrew Massey (Vocal and Music) 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 (College Co-ordinator) Celeste Ellis completed her N4, N5 and N6 in Composition and Performance at COPA.  She has a UNISA Grade 7 in Piano and Grade 5 in Theory.  Celeste has been performing since 1997 as a vocalist and pianist, and was a Top 10 finalist in the World Song Contest in 2006.  She teaches various music subjects and has received her ACM Administrator Training Certificate. Kurt Slabbert Kurt has been playing guitar for 10 years. He completed his one year Diploma at London’s Guitar Institute in 2003. Kurt has played with international artist Tim Hughes, plays in numerous bands, and does session work.  Kurt has been working for COPA since 2004. Marcio De Brito (Drums) Marcio has been playing drumkit for 14 years.  He studied Theory of Music and Sound Engineering up to N6 at the National School of Arts.  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,  studio work etc.  He has performed with the Soweto Opera Quatro and has played in numerous Barnyard Theatre productions including Viva Las Vegas and Rock around the World.  Marcio is currently involved in a top 40 band.  He has received his Grade 8 Rock School Certification, N6 Sound Engineering, N6 Drums and has also 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 and Music) Jason graduated from Pretoria Technikon Light Music Department with a Diploma in Light Music in 1995 with 8 out of a possible 12 distinctions.  He taught contemporary music (Bass, Theory and Ensemble) at the National School of the Arts from 1997 – 2002 and was appointed as H.O.D for the contemporary music department at the National School of the Arts for the year 2003.  Jason assisted in writing the syllabi for Bass (NOR – N6, History and Form (NOR – NSC) and Music Business (N4 – N6) for the Department of Education.  He received his Tutor Training Certificate from ACM, Guildford - London and completed his Grade 8 Rock School for Bass Guitar.  Jason has been a tutor at COPA since 2004 and is a band member for the TV program “Noot vir Noot” since 2003. Jason has performed in the pit band for the following shows: Guys and Dolls, Pippen, Josephs Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat, Robins-a-cruise-o .  He has performed or recorded with: Steve Hofmeyer, Nianell, Dozi, Heinz Winckler, Melanie Lowe, Mike Hankinson, Rina Hugo, Bloemfontein Philharmonic Orchestra, Nataniël, Bianca La Grange, Evan Schoombie, Jeremy Mansfield, Patricia Lewis, Amor Vittone, Eddie Eckstein, Andre Schwartz, Circumferance (Jazz Trio), Sound Canvas (Jazz Trio), Andrew Massey (Jazz Vocalist), Paul Hamner, Jo Blu & Theuns Jordaan, Louis Brittz, Wiaan Vos and ONE80. Jason currently endorses Yamaha Bass Guitars. Suscha Van Straaten (Vocals and Music) Suscha studied at the National School of The Arts and COPA in 2005.  Her band “Suscha Lee Band” has performed at numerous venues in Pretoria and Johannesburg.  She has had a hit on 94.7’s homebrew (no.3) and “Hot 30” (no.11) with her song “Walkaway”. She has completed successful residencies at Sun City (Trader Horn Pub), Dubai and Bahrain. Suscha is an accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist and bass player. George Finnis (Learnership and Production) George has a City & Guilds Qualification – Part 1, 2 and 3 in Sound Engineering, Music Technology and Recording Techniques through Pulse Recording College in Ireland.  He has worked with the late Moses Khumalo, Jabu Khanyile and Ihash Elimhlophe as a live monitor engineer and Hip Hop Pantsula’s (HHP’s) technical director and sound engineer. George is our sound technology facilitator, assessor and moderator. Neill Pash (Music Production / 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) André has been playing piano for the past 21 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. Given Motha (Learnership and Production) Given has an Advanced Diploma and an NQF5 Qualification in Sound Technology.  He is a proficient user of Steinberg Cubase and Propellerhead Reason.  Given is a facilitator and assessor in NQF4 and NQF5 Sound Technology.  He is also a freelance live and studio sound technician. Sarah Miller (Music and Languages) Sarah studied English and Industrial Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand, graduating in 1993.  Drawn to the entertainment industry, she has since run a comedy agency, been involved in management of the Agfa Theatre on the Square in Nelson Mandela Square, as well as running her own Bar Management and Events Company.  In recent years Sarah has been teaching English, Life Orientation and Literacy at a high school, as well as being very involved in the local metal music scene: booking bands and acting in a managerial / mentoring role for young bands. Gabbi De Brito (Marketing Manager) Gabbi graduated with a BCOM specializing in Marketing Management from Unisa. She conducts all interviews with prospective students and oversees the admission process. Gabbi manages all marketing related requirements. Michelle Bird (Office Manager) Michelle has been working for COPA since 2004 and oversees our full administrative function, she is also Personal Assistant to Garth Farrant. She has many years experience in various sectors and as a result manages all learnership programmes and deals with all MAPPP Seta requirements. Shirley Hurley (Financial Officer) If you have any queries regarding fees, etc. – this is the lady to talk to! Kerry Oldfield Kerry completed her N6 Drums and ACM Higher Diploma Production at COPA in 2008.  She currently works as COPA’s BDC representative, creating employment opportunities for past and current COPA students.   Lindsay Card (Resource Centre Administrator) David Jooste (Owner - COPA PTA) David graduated from Pretoria Technikon Light Music Department with a Diploma in Light Music in 1996.  He is a professional session pianist and producer. He has worked with top South African artists like Nianel, Lucas Maree, Coleske, Reana Nel, Mathys Roets, Eden, Louis Brittz, Julius Magan, Evan Schoombie, Juanita Du Plessis to name a few. David has worked internationally with AGGI International as a music director for 4 years and has produced roughly 65 music CD’s.  Together with Bruce Wallace and Peter Psaros, David formed a company called Timeline Media Productions. David has been the owner of the COPA in Pretoria and has been running the Campus since 2006. Rudine Geer (COPA PTA) Rudine Geer covers a broad range of musical styles, from jazz to contemporary music. She completed her studies in Jazz at the Tshwane University of Technology in 2007.  While studying she performed and directed her first solo shows at the Centurion Theatre in 2004 and 2005.  She was also a semi finalist in the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship for Singers Competition in 2007 and a soloist with the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra in the same year. She travelled and lived in New York City in 2008 and completed her Post Graduate Degree in Education in 2009.  Rudine is a sought after recording artist, doing session work for various artists and recording studios. Nelis du Plessis (COPA PTA) Nelis du Plessis is the drums and music business tutor at COPA Pretoria, has his National Diploma (N6) for Popular Music and is a COPA graduate of 2007.  He has worked at COPA Pretoria for the past year and has been playing drums for 7 and a half years. Nelis is a professional in his field and has performed with musicians such as Jason Green, David Jooste, Derrick Ruthven, Larry Roos, Deon Kruger, John Ellis (Tree 63), Dean Maldau, Andrew Williams amongst others.  He is currently playing in two full time bands: Killing Pablo which is an original project and The Plain Truth which is a youth praise and worship band at Christian Family Church. The Plain Truth has to date recorded and released two live DVD’s. Nelis also does freelance and session work. Riaan Le Roux (COPA PTA) Riaan le Roux finished his B-Tech Degree at the Tswhane University of Technologies in 2008 and has been working as a professional musician for the past three years playing in various jazz and cover bands. He has also been involved in recording projects and has been teaching guitar since 2005. Alicia van Dyk (COPA PTA) Alicia studied at Tshwane University of Technology and completed her National Diploma in Music and B-Tech in Music.  She has worked as a primary school music teacher and recorded an album.  She also regularly works as a session musician.  Alicia teaches various music subjects including Music Culture and Music Business. Michiel Van Niekerk (COPA PTA) Michiel completed the ACM Higher Diploma in Music Production at COPA (JHB) with a Distinction.  He was also awarded Student of The Year of 2008.  Michiel has played for, and produced various bands.  He currently plays for: Erebus, Balzac Straat and has his own recording studio. Altus Muller (COPA PTA) After passing his final practical and theoretical UNISA and ALMSA exams with distinction, he received his National Diploma in Music and his BTECH Music Art degree from TUT. He is a freelance jazz, rock and pop musician and has been playing in bands since 2001 playing at various art festivals, shows and in studios. He also has experience as a classical music teacher, is an arranger and backtrack artist and has been teaching since 1998. Altus teaches Keyboard at COPA. Elrine-Louise Spies (COPA PTA) Elrine-Louise Spies is a full time musician with a B. Tech Music who performs as a Singer-Songwriter and Jazz Vocalist. She has done work as a Session Vocalist e.g. the theme song of “Dit wat stom is” screened on KYK-net in 2005/6.  She works with Dan Roberts at Terraplane Productions, as vocal producer. She was promoted to the Intermediate Round - SAMRO Overseas Scholarships for Singers 2007 and awarded the Esme Webb Bequest. Wouter Reyneke (Bass – PTA)   He has been playing the bass guitar professionally for the past 5 years. He studied at the Tshwane University of Technologies Jazz Department for 4 years where he acquired a lot of theoretical knowledge and technical skills on the bass. He has performed with many artists in both the Afrikaans and English music scene like Anton Goosen, M.D. Greyling, Mono, Mrs B etc and has been involved in many recording projects.   Wouter currently lectures at COPA PTA and sessions for Beeskraal and other established groups. Niki van Zyl (Admin – PTA)   Lillian Breetzke (Admin – PTA)   Priscilla Nothnagel (Admin – PTA)   Mark Robinson (COPA CT) Mark completed his 4 year Higher Education Diploma at Goudstad Teachers Training College.  As an educator, he was the assistant music director on school plays and coached the cadet band rhythm section at both Transvalia High and on the military base.  Mark has been involved in a jazz band for many years and has recorded with Derick Boonzaaier and his gospel band Brood as well as Ilze Gouws on her demo CD.  Mark has performed live with gospel singers Rochelle Liedeman, David K, Rick Moser (Doxa Deo), Russell Fragar (Hillsong Australia) amongst others. Michelle Brink (COPA CT) Michelle studied vocal training and stage technique at Riana Van Wyk School of Music for 4 years.  In 2002 she toured nationally with a 60's/70's vocal group “The Great Pretenders”. Previous experience includes backing vocals for Ruben Lenox, Riana Van Wyk and many more.  Michelle has been a vocal tutor at Riana Van Wyk School of Music since 2004 and also trained in the Stellenbosch Matie Idols in 2009. Bob Thorpe (COPA CT) Bob was based in the UK for 9 years where he obtained a Higher Diploma in Audio Engineering from the SAE institute. Bob also studied at the Guitar Institute in London.  Bob has been playing guitar for over 14 years now and has recorded & performed with various artists, both locally and internationally. Bob also freelances as an audio and production engineer and performs regularly as a guitarist and vocalist with his band “Irvine”. Hannelore Olivier (COPA CT) Hannelore obtained degrees in Classical Music and Psychology, and her Masters in Music Technology from the University of Stellenbosch (Cum Laude).  She worked as a sound engineer for two years before living and travelling in Korea, Taiwan and South-East Asia for three years. She has completed various collaborations on film-scoring ventures, commercials and corporate videos, musical stage productions, KKNK productions (2000 - 2008); art projects (music for graphic novels & installations), as well as a few WWW-based music technology projects. Omar Kimmie (COPA CT) Omar attended The National School of the Arts from 2001-2003 where he graduated with a National Senior Certificate in Contemporary Music.  In 2007 he graduated from The South African College of Music (UCT) with a Performance Diploma in Jazz Music.  He is a professional, working session bassist, producer and sound engineer.  He has performed with many of South Africa’s top musicians and has opened stages for world-renowned international acts such as Lynton Kwesi Johnsonand Slum Village. Chris Thorpe (COPA CT) Chris graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree in Jazz Performance.  He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (English and History) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Along with his passion for jazz Chris has also been actively involved in the rock music industry having performed with numerous rock bands over the years, the most notable being indie rock band, Irvine, with whom he spent two years performing in London.