BENJI BOTHA DRUMS – At your home

About me

Benjamin Botha

I believe that the versatility required in music prepares one for various aspects of life, and thus, I approach teaching drums holistically. I started my drum kit studies with Heinrich Goosen, and although I specialised in Jazz, I am comfortable teaching and playing in a diverse range of genres.

Mentoring , teaching & healthy living

I have extensive experience in dealing with people, young and old. After my time in the Drakensberg, I studied Social Work for two years, practising in rehab clinics and Schools with children from disadvantaged backgrounds, learning the fundamentals of human behaviour. In line with that I have adapted my teaching to be mindful. I completed my degree in Psychology, while fulfilling various roles as a freelancer and teacher. These experiences have not only taught me the value of being a good teacher , but for someone to guide people through difficulties and use creativity and music to build self-esteem and find their purpose.

My teaching career began at the Drakensberg Boy’s Choir School, where I taught individual lessons and directed various music ensembles. There were numerous travelling and performing opportunities with the choir, both locally and abroad. When I returned to Cape Town , I studied at UCT, and continued teaching drum kit privately and in various schools, such as SACS Junior, Reddam House Primary School and Cannons Creek to name a few. I also coached various bands at GETONCO (Private tuition space for teaching and band coaching) and Reddam House.

In addition to teaching drum kit at the school, Benjamin was our ‘resident drummer’ for concerts. He performed in over 75 concerts throughout the year, both nationally and abroad (he accompanied our international choir on a tour to The Netherlands). Drumming for a choir, as opposed to arock or jazz band, has many unique challenges and Benjamin gained invaluable experience in working with a conductor and this type of ensemble.

Bernard Kruger

I am a 26-year-old musician and drummer who is passionate about music. I strongly believe that: “learning is about being adaptable and open to new ideas of drumming, and learning”. I am currently based in Cape Town and will travel to the convenience of your front-door. I am currently working as a teacher and a performer on a full time basis. I perform regularly with seasoned musicians in and around Cape Town, including the Fat Harry’s House Band and Piano Bar.

I have experience teaching kids on the spectrum and have found it to be incredibly rewarding and illuminating. As someone who also struggled with adversity, I can use that to lend an ear and celebrate children and adults pushing through their struggles by building resillience. I aim to serve as a positive role model as a teacher and mentor. I do not smoke or drink and appreciate a good fitness regime, and good habits that aim to adopt a healthy and balanced approach to living. I am indebted to all my great teachers that I have had thus far and want to pay it forward by becoming the best teacher and role-model that I can be.