CAMPUSES

RISE Academy boasts three campuses in South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

JOHANNESBURG

Our Johannesburg campus, above the Gautrain station, is located in Rosebank, a vibrant creative hub that perfectly reflects the energy and ambition of our students. The campus features a dedicated on-site studio, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, practice their craft, and collaborate on real projects in a professional environment.


At RISE, we teach students how to turn passion into a career. That philosophy drives everything we do – from how we design our courses to where we’ve chosen to base our campus. By operating from a professional office environment, we immerse students in the mindset of business and professionalism from day one. This is where creativity meets accountability, where talent grows into a brand, and where every student learns to walk in, feel proud, and build a future in the industry.

CAPE TOWN

Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, our Strand Street campus serves as a vibrant hub for both part-time and full-time lessons, offering an inspiring and energetic learning environment. The campus features space, providing students with a place and tools to practice, collaborate, and create in a professional setting that mirrors the real music industry. At RISE, we believe in turning passion into a career – and that commitment is reflected in the way we selected our Cape Town space. By situating our campus within a professional office environment, we immerse students in the world of business and creativity, helping them build the mindset needed for long-term success. This is where artistry meets professionalism, and where every student learns to walk in, feel proud, and take ownership of their journey as a future professional. Conveniently located, the Strand Street campus is just a 13-minute walk from Cape Town Station, making it easily accessible for students commuting from across the city.

DURBAN

Located in Westville, our Durban studio offers a smaller, more intimate creative space where students – whether full-time, part-time, or private – can learn, engage, and refine their skills in a focused and supportive environment. The space provides a hands-on setting where creativity and collaboration come together, allowing each student to grow in confidence and master their craft.


At RISE Academy, we believe that big ideas often start in small spaces. Our Durban space embodies that spirit – personal, connected, and deeply creative – offering students the same professional standards and industry-relevant learning found across all RISE locations.

 

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Sibusiso (Breeze) Shezi

Lecturer

Breeze aka Zulu Bass King is a musician who brings years of experience in studio, on radio, and on the stage to Rise Academy.
He has had tracks played on major SA radio stations, multiple music nominations, and has performed at some of South Africa’s largest music events. He’s worked with a huge array of top artists such as Nasty C, Soweto Gospel Choir, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, just to mention a few.

He used to dance and play rugby competitively and loves to run fitness drills with our performance students to get them ready to pull off amazing stage routines.

CHAY COOK

DIGITAL

Chay is a Public Relations practitioner who manages all of the academy’s
communications. Her role combines an enthusiasm for social media, digital
marketing, and music.
She is also on hand to help students with their marketing and PR queries by
ensuring that her door is always open, and if students are lucky there might even be
some peppermint crisp tart up for grabs since her recipe is one of the best.

CHAY COOK

DIGITAL

Chay is a Public Relations practitioner who manages all of the academy’s
communications. Her role combines an enthusiasm for social media, digital
marketing, and music.
She is also on hand to help students with their marketing and PR queries by
ensuring that her door is always open, and if students are lucky there might even be
some peppermint crisp tart up for grabs since her recipe is one of the best.

JAMES VERKERK

LECTURER


James is a DJ who got his start at the age of 16. He brings his onstage energy and
enthusiasm for music to the Rise Academy classroom where he teaches students
everything they need to know about the art of DJing. He is a skilled sound engineer
with a background in recording, producing and mixing.
James also trained as a classical pianist and is an avid surfer.

CRAIG GREEN

CO-FOUNDER

With more than two decades of experience in event organising, planning and logistics, Craig knows the ins and outs of the music world. He brings an invaluable
network of industry contacts to the Rise Academy community.
In 1998, Craig began U-PARTY, an event production and management company assisting schools to raise funds through community events and socials. He holds a BComm degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and is a self- proclaimed lego aficionado.

SUE GREEN

CO-FOUNDER & MD

Sue brings her business acumen and passion for youth development to the academy, which she launched in 2015. She is a savvy consultant who is experienced in coordinating music events that attract young audiences.
Sue’s academic background in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) piqued her interest in business ethics — a subject she ended up teaching at UCT during the final year of her Honours degree. She also loves cats and practices Jiu-jitsu.