Claremont
School of Rock

Explore School of Rock

Claremont

FRANCHISING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT SOUTH AFRICA   Open a School of Rock
Map
School of Rock Claremont
24 Protea Rd
Newlands, Western Cape 7700
021 671 9580
Hours
  • Monday: 9 AM - 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM - 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM - 8 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM - 7 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM - 3 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Music programs at School of Rock Claremont combine one-on-one lessons with group band practices

School of Rock Claremont serves the Cape Town, South Africa area with quality music lessons taught by real, practicing musicians. While drums, guitar, and vocals are especially popular amongst students, School of Rock Claremont also teaches keyboard, piano, bass, and more. Students can learn to play a variety of musical styles including rock, R&B, pop, soul, and funk. South Africa is home to abundant musical talent, including Steve Hofmeyr, Karen Zoid, Kurt Darren, Prime Circle, Watershed, Freshly Ground, Arno Carstens, Jeremy Loops, Jonathan Butler, Abdullah Ibrahim, Majozi, Vicky Sampson, The Kiffness, Goodluck, Jack Parow and Ard Matthews. With enough practice, students can also hope to play at notable local venues like The GrandWest Grand Arena, Roxy Revue Bar, Barnyard Theatre Tygervalley, V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, Baxter Theatre Centre, and the Artscape Theatre Centre.

Programs we offer

Rock 101 music program in Newlands for kids and beginners
Rock 101
Ages 8-13

Rock 101 is one of School of Rock Claremont's top programs for kids and beginners. Students have one weekly group rehearsal where they learn to play classic rock songs that have been simplified for beginner musicians. Additionally, Rock 101 students in Claremont have a weekly private music lesson with an instructor who helps them learn the concepts and skills behind their performance songs.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

Our music programs for kids in Newlands are designed to get students on stage performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency. Younger students at School of Rock Claremont who have participated in the Rookies program can move to our Rock 101 music program once they’re ready. Additionally, students (typically ages 8 to 13-years-old) can begin Rock 101 without any prior experience. The goal of this rock program is to quickly develop a basic competence on students’ chosen instruments before moving on to our famous Performance Program.

Performance music program for teens in Newlands
Performance
Ages 8-18

The Performance Program at School of Rock Claremont is our hallmark music program, where tens of thousands of students enroll each year. It consists of a weekly group rehearsal where kids and teens learn by playing rock music's most iconic songs with a band composed of their peers. Students are assigned songs and parts that are tailored to them based on their age, experience and ability to learn new skills and concepts. Students then work through their parts in weekly private music lessons, refining the skills and concepts that those songs introduce. The goal of this curriculum is to prepare kids and teens for live performances. Every few months, School of Rock Claremont Performance Program students take the stage and play at local Newlands music venues in front of a live audience.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

School of Rock Claremont's music programs for kids and teens are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing. All of our other music education programs focus on readying students for our famous Performance Program. This is where students develop incredible musical skills. Performance Program students have often gone through our Rock 101 program first or have some previous basic music experience. These young musicians will have custom development plans outlined by their instructors with key concepts reinforced during private lessons and group rehearsals, all with the goal of performing live at a Newlands music venue.

Rookies music program for children in Newlands
Rookies
Ages 6-7

At School of Rock Claremont, our music program for children with no previous musical experience (typically ages 6 to 7-years-old) is called Rookies. Rookies students have one weekly group music lesson where they learn fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. Kids get to learn and experiment with multiple instruments so they can later decide which one they ultimately want to continue pursuing in Rock 101.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE OF SIMPLIFIED ROCK INSTRUMENTS TO TEACH KIDS TO PLAY MUSIC

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire students to learn and develop a strong musical proficiency. At School of Rock Claremont, younger students who are not ready for a more comprehensive program like Rock 101 can start in Rookies. Additionally, students who have completed the Little Wing program will progress into the Rookies music program. No prior musical experience is needed for Rookies. Once your child is ready for private music lessons (typically older than first or second graders), they will graduate into our Rock 101 program.

Little Wing music program for toddlers and preschoolers in Newlands
Little Wing
Ages 4-5

At School of Rock Claremont our Little Wing music program for preschoolers and toddlers teaches students foundational music skills by playing games and participating in other interactive musical activities. Little Wing students have one weekly group music lesson in which they use classic rock songs to learn about rhythm, song structure, melody and dynamics through play.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP LESSON
  • USE HAND PERCUSSION & OTHER TOOLS TO LEARN RHYTHM PATTERNS & MUSIC SYNTAX

The Path to Take the Stage

The Little Wing music program is the first step in a young musician's journey. At School of Rock Claremont, toddlers and preschoolers who show an interest in music should start with Little Wing. As they get older, they will progress into the Rookies program, followed by Rock 101 and the Performance Program.

Songwriting
Age 12 and over

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, arrangement and music theory, and helps students compose original works.  At School of Rock Claremont, songwriting students receive one weekly private lesson where they learn concepts, technique and theory on an instrument of their choice. These principles are then applied in a weekly group lesson where students work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops.  Every few months, Songwriting students take the stage to perform or band together to record their original songs.

What to Expect
  • 1 weekly private lesson
  • 1 weekly group lesson

The Path to Take the Stage

Our Songwriting program for kids and teens in Claremont is designed to create musical proficiency through the creation of original music. Students at School of Rock Claremont who have completed our Rock 101 program can move to our Songwriting program once they’re ready. Additionally, new students who have prior experience with and basic knowledge of an instrument can also begin Songwriting. The program culminates with a live showcase where students perform their original compositions in bands at a local music venue. Students taking the Songwriting Program online will remotely record their original songs to produce a demo of the class's music.

Remote student playing guitar
Online
All Ages

At School of Rock Claremont, our students can take online, one-on-one music instruction from the comfort of their homes. We call this program School of Rock Remote. This online music program contains weekly one-on-one instruction conducted by our expert School of Rock instructors in a safe virtual lesson room.
 
Students will receive their training using our proprietary education program, The School of Rock Method™, which couples live video lessons with our proprietary Method App™, SongFirst Approach™ and Method Books™. 

What To Expect
  • ONE WEEKLY 1-ON-1 LESSON
  • LESSONS CONDUCTED USING SECURE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY

THE PATH TO TAKE THE STAGE

All of our music programs for kids, teens, and adults are designed to help students gain amazing musical proficiency. School of Rock’s online music lesson program is no exception. Online guitar lessons, online piano lessons, online drum lessons, online singing lessons and online bass guitar lessons are all offered through the School of Rock Remote online program.

Adult music program in Newlands for students over 18
Adult Program
Ages 18+

School of Rock Claremont's Adult Program is for students over 18 years old who are looking to either improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior musical experience. As with most School of Rock music programs, the Adult Program uses a performance-based music education approach. This means the curriculum focuses on learning music concepts and applying them in a live performance setting. Our Adult Music Program includes one weekly private music lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student at School of Rock Claremont is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to play at a live show in Newlands.

What To Expect
  • 1 WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSON
  • 1 WEEKLY GROUP REHEARSAL

The Path to Take the Stage

All of our music programs are designed to inspire by getting students on stage and performing, with the goal of building strong musical proficiency along the way. The School of Rock Claremont Adult Program is open to all experience levels and each student will follow a customized learning plan developed by their instructor. Adult students will work together during rehearsal to prepare for a live performance at a real rock venue in Newlands.

The AllStars national tour features the best child and teen musicians
AllStars
Age 17 and Under

The School of Rock AllStars Tour takes the very best students from around the world and sends them on a nationwide summer tour across the United States. Less than 1% of School of Rock students are selected each year to represent School of Rock as an AllStar. All Performance Program students are eligible to audition for this prestigious program. The intensive audition process starts off with video submissions followed by live auditions. Once selected, AllStar students will have an authentic touring experience including traveling on a tour bus, doing tour publicity and starring in nightly performances at famous venues and festivals during a two-week tour.

What To Expect
  • A MULTI-CITY, COUNTRY-WIDE MUSIC TOUR EXPERIENCE
  • PERFORMING ON SOME OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST FAMOUS STAGES IN THE WORLD

The Path to Take the Stage

Becoming an AllStar is the highest level of achievement for a School of Rock student. They play on legendary stages large and small, including The Knitting Factory, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Troubadour and Lollapalooza. AllStar students often go on to have accomplished careers in the music industry. Former AllStars have gone on to become touring artists, star in Broadway musicals, get signed to record deals, become finalists on talent competitions like "The Voice" and "American Idol" and have other notable roles in the music industry.

Music Lessons in Claremont

Kid learns to play guitar at School of Rock Newlands

Guitar Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock Claremont, we offer beginner guitar lessons for kids. Our expert guitar instructors guide your child from start to finish with private instruction and weekly group band rehearsals. Every instructor at School of Rock Claremont is an experienced musician, and they emphasize foundational music theory and technique when teaching guitar lessons to kids. Unlike other Newlands guitar lessons and programs, School of Rock is designed to get students performing in a band.

Beginner Guitar Lessons for Adults

It’s never too late to learn to play the guitar. Similar to our kids guitar lessons, School of Rock Claremont's beginner guitar lessons for adults utilizes a performance-based curriculum. Our experienced instructors teach adult students through popular rock songs, and teach students to play guitar in a way that’s challenging and fun. We believe the best way to learn is by doing, which is why we combine weekly private guitar lessons with group band rehearsals. At School of Rock Claremont, we teach beginner guitar lessons for adults in our Adult Program. This program gets students performing onstage at a local Newlands venue.

Key Concepts
  • Technique
  • Solos
  • Chords
  • Theory

Intermediate to Advanced Guitar Lessons

As students gain skills and experience, we move them along to more challenging programs at higher skill levels. Intermediate and advanced students take the skills they learned in beginner guitar lessons, and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. School of Rock Claremont offers advanced guitar lessons for kids and adults that teach by playing challenging classic rock songs and emphasize playing the guitar in a real music venue. Our Newlands guitar teachers will work with each student to develop a custom learning plan.

Kids learn to drum at School of Rock Newlands

Drum Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Drum Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Claremont is the best option for anyone looking to learn the drums. Our beginner drum lessons get kids behind the drum kit and on their way to taking the stage. That’s why at School of Rock Claremont we combine private drum lessons for beginners with weekly band rehearsals—it prepares students to perform live. With years of experience teaching drums in Newlands, our drum instructors teach beginner drum students core techniques, including how to groove, play rudiments and more.

Beginner Drum Lessons for Adults

Our drum lessons for adults are designed to accommodate all skill levels. At School of Rock Claremont, our beginner drum lessons for adults are built for musicians with little to no experience. We teach adults using the same core performance-based education philosophy as our drum lessons for kids—performing with a band accelerates the learning process. Adult students will perform live at a venue in Newlands. Unlike other Newlands drum lessons for beginners, School of Rock combines private drum lessons with weekly band rehearsals so students are ready to play in front of real, live audiences.

Key Concepts
  • RUDIMENTS
  • TIME SIGNATURES
  • TECHNIQUE
  • GROOVE

Intermediate to Advanced Drum Lessons

More experienced to advanced drum students need a drum lesson curriculum that builds upon foundational skills and continues to grow musical proficiency. That’s why at School of Rock Claremont, our drum lessons are customized for each student and his or her goals. Our Newlands drum instructors integrate more complex techniques and concepts—intermediary grooves, shifts, meters and more—into a student's individual lessons and group band rehearsal, and will also select more difficult songs for his or her live performances.

 

Kid learns to sing at School of Rock Newlands

Singing Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Singing Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Claremont offers beginner singing lessons for kids. Our unique, performance-based approach develops students' musical proficiency by preparing them to perform live. At School of Rock Claremont, our vocal coaches are practicing musicians who integrate key music fundamentals—breathing, posture and more—into a curriculum based on performing with a band. Each week, beginner singing students participate in a private singing lesson and a band rehearsal.

Beginner Singing Lessons for Adults

School of Rock Claremont teaches adults how to sing in our innovative Adult Program. Students develop vocal skills at a challenging pace designed to help you see results with every singing lesson. Adult vocalists learn how to keep tempo, stay on-key and master advanced vocal techniques for a powerful and healthy voice. Our curriculum teaches students how to sing by using popular rock songs that emphasize key concepts. Each week, Adult Program students have a private singing lesson for beginners and group band rehearsal.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • HARMONY
  • POWER
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Singing Lessons

At School of Rock Claremont, our singing lessons for kids and adults are designed to help our students reach a high degree of musical proficiency. Intermediate and advanced singers take skills learned from previous singing lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. Our advanced singing lessons teach students to sing by performing popular rock songs that illustrate a specific vocal concept or technique. We pair weekly private singing lessons with weekly band rehearsals with the goal of getting musicians to perform live in Newlands.

Kid learns to play bass at School of Rock Newlands

Bass Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Bass Lessons for Kids

School of Rock Claremont offers beginner bass guitar lessons for kids that blend weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. This performance-based approach results in a high level of musical proficiency because it engages and inspires students. Every School of Rock bass instructor is a practicing musician in Newlands and teaches bass lessons for kids that get great results. Beginners learn to play bass guitar by using popular rock songs that illustrate key concepts and techniques.

Beginner Bass Lessons for Adults

Adults looking to learn bass guitar can enroll in School of Rock’s Adult Program. No experience is necessary in our beginner bass guitar lessons for adults. At School of Rock Claremont, our experienced, local bass guitar instructors have the patience and skills to help adult students gain musical proficiency. As with all School of Rock music programs, our bass guitar lessons for adults ciriculum is performance-based, and include both weekly private instruction and weekly band rehearsals.

Key Concepts
  • GROOVE
  • TECHNIQUE
  • THEORY
  • TONE

Intermediate to Advanced Bass Lessons

Our intermediate to advanced bass guitar lessons teach Newlands students the skills they need to become the backbone of a band. Students take skills from previous bass lessons and layer on more difficult techniques and concepts. At School of Rock Claremont, our bass instructors use popular rock songs as a way of teaching students advanced concepts and techniques. We pair weekly private bass lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Kid learns to play piano at School of Rock Newlands

Keyboard Lessons for All Skill Levels

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Kids

At School of Rock we teach differently than other music schools in Newlands. Our curriculum is performance-based, meaning that we prepare students to perform. Our piano lessons for beginners combine weekly private instruction with weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock Claremont, our beginner keyboard lessons for kids take key concepts and music fundamentals—finger placement, scales, key differentiation and more—and teach them through popular rock songs. This approach inspires and engages students, which results in attaining a high level of musical proficiency. Our piano teachers have years of experience teaching music in the Newlands area, and know how to coach and motivate students of any skill level to play the keyboard.

Beginner Keyboard Lessons for Adults

The School of Rock Claremont Adult Program puts beginner keyboard students in a band. Adult Program students in the Newlands area learn to play piano through a combination of weekly private beginner piano lessons and weekly band rehearsals. At School of Rock, our piano lessons give adult students the chance to perform in a band at local Newlands music venues, taking them out of the classroom and onto the stage.

Key Concepts
  • TECHNIQUE
  • TONE
  • THEORY
  • READING

Intermediate to Advanced Keyboard Lessons

At School of Rock Claremont, our keyboard lessons for kids and adults are designed to help students get results. Intermediate and advanced students take skills learned from beginner keyboard lessons and layer on more advanced piano techniques with concepts. Our local keyboard instructors are all practicing musicians in Newlands, and use popular rock songs as a way of teaching complex skills. We pair weekly private piano lessons with weekly band rehearsals to inspire and engage students throughout the learning process.

Our Experienced Music Teachers

All of School of Rock Claremont’s music teachers are experienced musicians devoted to helping students attain musical proficiency. Our instructors guide students one-on-one to personalize learning, inspire confidence and build social skills.

School of Rock Claremont Co-Owner, Managing Director, School of Rock South Africa Master Franchisee and Managing Director Keith Taeuber
Keith Taeuber
School of Rock Claremont Co-Owner, Managing Director, School of Rock South Africa Master Franchisee and Managing Director
Keith has a passion for music and is himself a self-taught musician (and is currently attending lessons at School of Rock), playing saxophone, keys, bass, drums, guitar, and vocals. He is a motivated, energetic, committed, and passionate hands-on leader with a "can do" attitude and a successful track record in delivering excellent results in diverse business sectors throughout South Africa. He has over 25 years of experience in FMCG, retail, sales and marketing, national key account management, category management, operations, agriculture, conservation, and large estate management, and incident command/fire and security management.

Keith has served on/chaired various corporate boards and corporate bodies over the last 10 years. He has a distinct eye, passion, and skill for analyzing business operations, identifying opportunities and efficiencies, and implementing change strategies. Keith is a qualified skills development facilitator and trainer who continuously seeks opportunities for personal growth and development. He is the co-owner and Managing Director of School of Rock Claremont.
School of Rock Claremont Co-Owner, Sales and marketing Director, School of Rock South Africa Master Franchisee and Sales and Marketing Director
Leigh Spaun
School of Rock Claremont Co-Owner, Sales and marketing Director, School of Rock South Africa Master Franchisee and Sales and Marketing Director
Leigh Spaun has over 20 years of media, marketing, and sales experience, having worked at some of the biggest and most innovative media/publishing companies in South Africa. Her passion for brands and business, and the inclusivity of people, is what moved her to open a School of Rock franchise in Cape Town, South Africa, and acquire the rights to the brand in South Africa.

Although her musical skill is confined to a few drum lessons, knowing her grooves, some basic fills, and one performance on a particular song, she knows the impact that music has on people of all ages and the bonds that develop when sharing this art form. Leigh has a passion for the outdoors, travel, people, the environment, surfing, and animals, and enjoys sharing these moments with her family. She is the co-owner of School of Rock Claremont.
School of Rock Claremont Music Director, School of Rock South Africa National Music Director Revaughn Sackanary
Revaughn Sackanary
School of Rock Claremont Music Director, School of Rock South Africa National Music Director
Revaughn Sackanary was born and raised in Cape Town, where he started playing the bass guitar at the tender age of eight years old. At such a young age, music became his medicine to the illnesses of our society. Through the years he has worked and performed with local and international performers, singers and producers. His unique sound on the bass guitar makes him one of Cape Town's very best. Revaughn has an intense work ethic, which has led to his directing role in many shows. Revaughn has worked with artists such as Cedric Sampson, Tu Nokwe, and Natasha Meister, to name just a few. He is a guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher, and drum teacher at School of Rock Claremont. He is also our National Music Director.
School of Rock Claremont Studio Manager, School of Rock South Africa National Studio Manager Lizelle Sampson
Lizelle Sampson
School of Rock Claremont Studio Manager, School of Rock South Africa National Studio Manager
Lizelle Grace Sampson was born in Austria, but grew up in Cape Town. She studied at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) for four years and obtained a degree in Public Relations Management. She then went on to work at Christel House South Africa, which is a charitable school for disadvantaged children. From 2015 - 2016 she was involved in community and missionary work in Worcester, Durban and Tanzania through YWAM (Youth With A Mission). Lizelle's hobbies are photography, reading, writing poetry (mainly spoken word), song writing and playing guitar.
Head of Vocal Department, Vocal Instructor, Head of Little Wing Programme, Violin Instructor Nadiah Charis Mony
Nadiah Charis Mony
Head of Vocal Department, Vocal Instructor, Head of Little Wing Programme, Violin Instructor
Nadiah Charis Mony is currently a vocal instructor, violin teacher, and Little Wing teacher at School of Rock Claremont and heads up our Vocal Department and Little Wing Programme. She started gigging at the age of 15, built up her repertoire, and now performs at events with her duo, Matt & Mony. A classically trained violinist and jazz-trained vocalist with interests in dancing and Broadway, Nadiah's musical taste is saturated from Bach to Led Zeppelin. Nadiah has a BMus Degree from The South African College of Music, is a producer and songwriter with music on all streaming platforms, and runs a nonprofit called Masi Violin Outreach.
Head of Drum Department, Drum Instructor, Rookies Instructor Liam Webb
Liam Webb
Head of Drum Department, Drum Instructor, Rookies Instructor
Liam Webb started playing drums at the age of 10. While in school, he studied music at Beau Soleil with Frank Mallows, who is now lecturing at UCT. Liam continued to study music after high school. Over the years, he has performed on platforms such as Artscape Jazz Festival, K-Day, Times Square, various TV shows, the Grand Arena, and many more. Today, Liam is well-known locally and internationally. He recently returned from Dubai, where he performed and expanded his knowledge. Liam has worked with many local and international artists who he still performs with today. Liam is the Head of our Drum Department at School of Rock Claremont.
Guitar Instructor, Drum Instructor Ivan Pieters
Ivan Pieters
Guitar Instructor, Drum Instructor
Ivan is our multi-instrumentalist Music Mentor with over 15 years of music and performance experience. He holds an Honours Degree and BA Degree in Music Composition, Producing, Sequencing, and Songwriting. Ivan was a session musician for 2 Ladings, Hazeldine and Denise, and recently completed a country/rock album for Maritza through Vonk Music, which was released in September 2015. He writes and composes music for films, commercials, and upcoming artists, working with the likes of IV Music, Stronger Studios, Vonk Music Label, and Maverix Music. Want to talk to him about more than just music? He is an avid rugby, tennis, cricket, and golf enthusiast and sportsman.

Ivan heads up our Adult Performance programme as HOD and is also a guitar teacher, drum teacher, and piano teacher at School of Rock Claremont.
Head of Guitar Department, Guitar Instructor Ruben Ohlson
Ruben Ohlson
Head of Guitar Department, Guitar Instructor
A self-taught musician, Ruben was born and raised in the Southern Suburbs, where he began his musical journey by playing at his local church. This soon led to him joining various bands in his surrounding area, which exposed him to different styles and techniques of playing and moulded him into the musician he is today. Ruben enjoys neo soul, R&B, and reggae. He is currently a standby guitarist for all the top local artists in Cape Town such as Alterfam Circle, The Unexpected, and many more.

Ruben specialises in the legato technique, improv, and sweep picking and is a well-respected session musician and producer. He is the Head of our Guitar Department and a guitar teacher at School of Rock Claremont.
Head of Rookies Programme, Vocal Instructor Tanya Da Silva
Tanya Da Silva
Head of Rookies Programme, Vocal Instructor
Tanya Da Silva is a singer/songwriter who has graduated with a BA in Music Performance. She has achieved a vocal diploma from Trinity London Rock and Pop, and a songwriting certificate from Cape Town School Of Songwriting.

In her youth, she participated in many local talent competitions, such as the South African Talent Championships (SATCH). She has also been involved in the Hillsong Church Choir.

She released her first EP, “Puzzle Pieces,” and got the opportunity to bring the launch to The Baxter Theatre. She is currently working on her 2nd EP “Patterns”, which will be released soon.

Other than music, you will find her enjoying the outdoors, inspired by nature’s beauty, or exploring different cultured foods around Cape Town. She is a Vocal, Rookies, and Little Wing instructor at School of Rock Claremont.
Head of Adult Performance Programme, Songwriting and Production Instructor, Keyboard, Synths and Piano Instructor, Keytar Instructor Nathaneal Natez Barthus
Nathaneal Natez Barthus
Head of Adult Performance Programme, Songwriting and Production Instructor, Keyboard, Synths and Piano Instructor, Keytar Instructor
Nathaneal Natez Barthus is a Cape Town-based musician, who was drawn to the piano at the age of 13. After completing his music studies in Cape Town in 2010, he then went on to discover his love for composing and creating beats.

His sound was largely influenced by pianists such as Michel Camilo, Joe Sample, Chick Corea, David Foster, PJ Morton, and one of his all-time favorites, Cory Henry who inspired him and brought about the very strong Neo Soul / R&B soulful sound to his playing.

Nathaneal Barthus has graced many big stages and renowned festivals, carnivals, and corporate and public events, including Community Chest Carnival, Arniston Music Festival, Jazzathon, Cape Town International Jazz Fest, KFM Big Chill, and many more.

He attributes his musical knowledge to his 12 years of experience in the music industry. He is the musical director for Chasing Time SA and is currently backing various artists. He is the band director for the ‘’Lyrics Still Matter’’ ensemble at the Baxter Theatre, Artscape and Cape Town Comedy Club, Toyota Woordfees, and Suidoosterfees.

Apart from live performances, Nate invests a great deal of his time in the production, arranging, and composition of music. Nathaneal is currently a Roland SA Endorsee.
Keyboard + Piano Instructor, African Percussion Instructor Stephen Sampson
Stephen Sampson
Keyboard + Piano Instructor, African Percussion Instructor
Stephen Sampson's passion for music started at a very young age. He was exposed to music through his parents, at church, and also at family gatherings. Stephen was self-taught in the beginning stages of his musical journey and developed more as he played with other musicians. By the time Stephen had finished high school, he was already actively gigging and playing with various bands in and around Cape Town.

Stephen then went on to study music at the University of Cape Town. Stephen had the opportunity to play piano with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and to back various artists, including Vicky Sampson. Stephen has his own studio and composes his own music, as well as composes for other artists. Stephen composed and produced a CD for an artist named Charlyn Davids, and was the Music Director for her CD launch and live DVD recording. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, going to the beach, watching Netflix, and spending time with the people he loves. He is a piano teacher at School of Rock Claremont.
Guitar Instructor, Little Wing Instructor, Rookies Instructor Luzelle Avenant
Luzelle Avenant
Guitar Instructor, Little Wing Instructor, Rookies Instructor
Luzelle Avenant is passionate about music and sharing her stories. Born and raised in Mossel Bay, Luzelle moved to Cape Town in 2013 to pursue a career in music. Luzelle can often be seen performing as Ruby June and has released an EP, live album and various singles and music videos. Having played various festivals and venues in and around the country with her band, she focuses on improving her craft, stage presence, vocal ability and energy with every show. Luzelle loves being able to share her knowledge and love of music with others and enjoys every aspect of teaching!
Vocal Instructor Anathi Mobo
Anathi Mobo
Vocal Instructor
Anathi Mobo is a performing vocalist, Vocal instructor, and final year MMus student based in Cape Town. She has formed part of various big bands around Cape Town such as the Little Giants big band as well as the Lady Day big band. She has performed at various events and festivals as far as Germany and has been the lead vocalist for many more bands around the country.

The 2019 Grahamstown festival saw Anathi selected as the lead vocalist for the Standard Bank National Youth Band under the direction of Pianist, composer, and arranger Afrika Mkhize, and performing at the 2019 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz alongside some of the greatest musicians of our time including Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Anathi has always had a passion for teaching and she began teaching private vocal students in 2018 during her undergraduate studies where the passion just grew from there. She started learning and then teaching the Marimba in late 2021 and has just had a lot of fun teaching a different instrument and being pushed out of her comfort zone.
Saxophone Instructor Mark Chadwick
Mark Chadwick
Saxophone Instructor
Mark Chadwick is a multi-instrumentalist who has been in the music industry for 24 years. His primary instrument is the soprano saxophone, however he also excels on the alto and tenor saxophones. Besides the saxophone, Mark is a keen keyboardist and has tried his hand at the bass guitar. Most of Mark's live performances have been in and around Cape Town. He regularly performs as a pianist in the annual Cape Malay Choir Festival. Other musical ventures include being a keyboardist for the OAC Youth Movement, and touring Southern African countries like Mozambique, Swaziland, Namibia and Botswana from 2003 to 2016. In 2018, Mark formed part of a seven-piece band that played at a club in Hangzhou as their bassist, keyboardist and saxophonist. He is a saxophone teacher at School of Rock Claremont.
Vocal Instructor Branton Booysen
Branton Booysen
Vocal Instructor
Branton Charles is an independent artist who has been performing in and around Cape Town since 2007.

In 2010, Branton headed the most demanding show abroad on the island of Mallorca, Spain for six years. He performed a tribute show to the Jackson 5 and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Through his work in Spain, he still consults with overseas agencies in growing aspiring singers.

Branton released his first single, "Closest to Heaven," which was a #1 hit on the Berlin Charts and is currently playing around the world.

His latest work is his EP, Undeniably Jukebox.
Vocal Instructor Asemahle Tsholoba
Asemahle Tsholoba
Vocal Instructor
Asemahle Tsholoba is a Nelson Mandela University Music Alumni and is now furthering her music studies with the University of Cape Town. She is a performing vocalist and has performed in many high-profile corporate events and shows.

Asemahle Tsholoba has shared the stage with some of South Africa's big names, the likes of Ringo Madlingozi, Mandisi Dyantyis, McCoy Mrubata, Charl du Plessis, Guy Buttery, and the late Lawrence Matshiza.

Asemahle made her debut as a soloist in 2018 with the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (ECPO) under the baton of Richard Cock and was subsequently invited to perform with the ECPO again at the 2018 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

In 2021 Asemahle entered the Idols singing competition and sang in front of Randall Abrahams, Somizi Mhlongo, Unathi Mankayi, and Prince KayBee and received a golden ticket, as well as an invitation to Theatre Week. She has also been selected to take part in the 2022 Artscape Youth Jazz Festival under the mentorship of Amanda Tiffin and Mandisi Dyantyis and has performed on national television with the Artscape Youth Jazz Band on the SABC3 Morning Expresso Show.

Asemahle is an enthusiastic musician who strives to transform the world through music, one student at a time.
Keyboard + Piano Instructor Ryan Sackanary
Ryan Sackanary
Keyboard + Piano Instructor
Ryan Sackanary is a two-time Mzansi Jazz nominated pianist and had early exposure to music which laid the foundation for his interest and proficiency in this field. With a career encompassing significant studio work and performances with numerous local and international artists, his reach and influence in the industry are considerable.

Beyond his performance abilities, Ryan has proven his versatility by also excelling as a music producer and director.
Paul Avenant
Drum Instructor and African Percussion
Paul Avenant is an energetic and crazy face drummer from the Groot Karoo. He moved to Cape Town in 2013 to study music and to pursue music as a full-time career. He plays for two bands, Van Der Aven (3-piece Afrikaans Rock band) and The Betsies (6-piece country band) playing festivals all around South Africa.

Paul has had the privilege of sharing the stage with: Francois van Coke, Arno Carstens, Droom Sindroom, Spoegwolf, Elandre, die Heuwels, Karen Zoid to name a few.

Paul wants to inspire young and upcoming musicians to get out of their comfort zone and to develop a genuine passion for performing and playing their instrument.
Ethan Adams
Guitar Instructor
Ethan grew up in a house surrounded with music and musical instruments as his father was a musician, which led to him being exposed to all kinds of music from a young age.

He picked up the guitar at the age of 18 and started playing in church; later performing professionally with his dad.

After high school, he took his gift more seriously and performed with different groups all over Cape Town. Ethan always wanted to give back to his community and so started tutoring in church and at his home.

Ethan has performed across the country at the Innibos Festival in Nelspruit, Kfm’s KDay, the Heartfm Cape Town Music Festival, the Jive Funny Festival, the Festive Lights Switch On Concert on the Grand Parade, the Swakopmund Makietie, and more. Ethan was also selected to tour Gauteng with 29:11 and the Minnesota Orchestra, performing at the Johannesburg City Hall, Soweto, and surrounds.

After his studies, he worked with some of SA’s brightest artists such as Emo Adams, Tarryn Lamb, and Tracey Carter.

Ethan has a broad understanding of and love for music, performance, and arrangement.
School of Rock is where music and learning come together

For over twenty years, our amazing instructors have transformed hundreds of thousands of students across the world into skilled musicians. Become a musician at School of Rock.

Reviews

I like everything about School of Rock!

Staff are professional, caring, devoted and talented. The school has been a true life-changing gift for my two children. World class!

Students rave about School of Rock!

I learn so much during the lessons and he takes an interest in the music style that I like and teaches me how to play it. Even music theory is taught in a fun way and easy to understand.

I enjoy the teaching ethos.

The instructors are well-trained, well-prepared and great coaches. I love the set up and friendly staff. I really have had an amazing time the last three months and joining the adult band has been a highlight for me.

School of Rock changes kids for the better.

The programmes are arranged in such a way that they engage a child's passion, make it totally non-threatening and in so doing build up wonderful confidence on and off stage.

By submitting your email address you are verifying that you are 13 years or older.