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Rise Academy

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Our Story | RISE Academy
RISE Academy since 2015

Our Story

Built to nurture raw talent and shape marketable, industry-ready performers through practical training, expert mentorship and real creative-industry direction.

Where it all began

In 1998, The Live Group, our parent company, began a journey to transform the South African music scene. Aspiring artists wanted the spotlight, but many found themselves locked out of the industry—and even those securing gigs struggled to sustain their careers.

Recognising the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, Sue and Craig Green established RISE Academy in 2015 with one mission: nurture raw talent and mould it into marketable, industry-ready performers through expert training and personalised mentoring.

RISE graduates have since secured opportunities at major events including Ultra, Fill Up FNB and Joburg Pride.

1998The Live Group journey begins
2015RISE Academy is founded
TodayA growing creative community
Craig Green
RISE Academy history
Sue Green
RISE Academy team

Our Team

Meet the people behind RISE Academy. Head Office is shown first, followed by the wider team. Use the location tabs to view everyone or filter the team by branch.

Head Office
Craig Green
Head Office

Craig Green

Co-Founder and Director

Jennifer Green
Head Office

Jennifer Green

Enrolments and Marketing

Rachel Thomson
Head Office

Rachel Thomson

Head of Academics and Student Affairs

Themba
Head Office

Themba

Studio Manager

Team by location
Themba
Johannesburg

Themba

Ultimate DJ and Advanced DJ Mentor

Breeze
National

Breeze

Performance and Business Mentor

Josi Kruger
National

Josi Kruger

Business Mentor

Craig Pieterse
Johannesburg

Craig Pieterse

Sound Engineering

Thapelo Thakong
Johannesburg

Thapelo Thakong

Music Production Mentor

Lyle Hartley
Cape Town

Lyle Hartley

Advanced DJ and Music Production Mentor

Joshua Horwitz
Cape Town

Joshua Horwitz

Advanced DJ and Music Production Mentor

Lyle Gains
Durban

Lyle Gains

Advanced DJ and Music Production Mentor

Chaale Moorison
Durban

Chaale Moorison

Advanced DJ and Music Production Mentor

Nahan Nel
Johannesburg

Nahan Nel

Advanced Music Production Mentor

Neil Hunter
Johannesburg

Neil Hunter

Advanced DJ Mentor

Testimonials

Twenty selected student and family experiences from across RISE Academy programmes.

RISE Academy is the foundation of my career. I started knowing very little about the music industry, but within a few months I was ready to perform at significant events. RISE covered everything from music history to the business side of the industry.
Martin Solomons DJ Production · 2022
At RISE, everything is broken down practically - from mixing and signal flow to troubleshooting under pressure. The mentors actually work in the industry, so it was not just theory.
Thabang Lekitlane Live Sound · 2025
The guidance, industry education and exposure at RISE are unmatched. I graduated in 2025 at just 16 years old and received an award of honour.
Nathan Govender Advanced DJ & Music Production · 2025-2026
RISE Academy helped me reach a new level in my DJ career and made the opportunities I am involved in today possible. The standard they maintain is worth every bit of the time and money invested.
Tim Wishart Ultimate DJ · 2022
The team understands the music industry and teaches real, usable skills. I graduated with more confidence and four certificates. Great school, great people.
Khulani Magubane Advanced DJ & DJ Production · 2025
The lecturers were incredibly knowledgeable, and the professional quality of the classes exceeded my expectations. The course helped me advance in creating my own music.
Robynne Bloch Music Production · 2022
RISE has great mentors, flexible classes and an excellent learning environment. They make sure you develop your abilities - and they give you opportunities to perform on stage.
Andani Sirovha DJ Production · 2025
RISE listened to Damian's dream and found a way to make it possible despite the challenges presented by his physical disability. With the support of outstanding mentors, he gained the professional skills needed to pursue a career as a DJ.
Damian Gower's family Ultimate DJ · 2022
I joined RISE at the beginning of the year, learned the fundamentals of DJing and played my first gig four months later. The support from my lecturers and the entire RISE team played a huge role in my growth as an emerging DJ.
Sithembiso Pride Mabena DJ · 2021
RISE took our quiet, shy daughter to heights we could not have imagined. Grace performed three times on major stages alongside established names.
Shannon, Grace's mother DJ Production · 2018
RISE helped me kick-start my performance career at a professional level. The programme developed my professionalism, strengthened my brand and gave me a major confidence boost.
Khanyisa Vava Performance · 2022
RISE taught me how to pursue my creative passions professionally and how to identify, define and present my brand. It is a professional, inspiring environment filled with creative people.
Kopano Mahlake Entrepreneurship · 2022
My time at RISE Academy was an amazing experience. My mentor helped me grow creatively and professionally, while the programme deepened my understanding of the music business.
John Menahem Malengele Artist Production · 2025-2026
RISE Academy is exceptional, professional and world-class. The learning environment offers an excellent balance between theory and practical training, which sets the academy apart.
Brandon Namaseb Live Sound · 2022
At RISE, I learned the technical aspects of DJing, music production and live sound engineering while gaining the confidence to chase my dreams and make my mark in the industry.
Andiswa Shabalala DJ Production · 2023
The curriculum, staff and community provide everything you need to grow and succeed. I am grateful for the experience, the graduation milestone and the awards.
Keletso Kotlolo Music Business · 2025
Coming from Lesotho, where access to music schools is limited, studying at RISE was a dream come true. The technology, learning environment and relationships the lecturers build with students were exceptional.
Irene Nagingo Performance · 2021
RISE taught me about the music industry and how to enter it as a DJ. I also had the opportunity to network and build strong connections with DJs I had admired for years.
Christopher Nagel DJ · 2018
RISE gave me more than knowledge and friendships - I had a growing business less than a year later. Thank you for helping me turn my dream into something real.
Laiken Austen DJ · 2016
The lecturers explain concepts clearly, the staff are always willing to assist and the environment makes learning enjoyable. I would recommend RISE to anyone wanting to further their education in music.
Chima Anyamele Advanced Music Production · 2026

Student Successes

Skelm

Skelm

Callum Hilton
Music Production
Class of 2022
DJ Melzi

DJ Melzi

Tumelo Mphai
DJ Production
Classes of 2018 and 2019
Nia Brown

Nia Brown

Revonia Baitsiwe
Ultimate DJ
Class of 2021
Mawhoo

Mawhoo

Nontobeko Ngema
DJ Production
Class of 2022
Damian Gower

Damian Gower

Damian Gower
Ultimate DJ
Class of 2022
Neil Hunter

Neil Hunter

Neil Hunter
Advanced DJ
Classes of 2019 and 2020
Precious Lemmy

Precious Lemmy

Goodluck Precious
Music Production
Class of 2023
Sundé

Sundé

Sandi Maya
Music Production and Live Sound
Classes of 2021 and 2022
Nyameko Mutsi

Nyameko Mutsi

Nyameko Mutsi
Artist Production and Advanced Music Production
Classes of 2025 and 2026
Linosbleedd

Linosbleedd

Sibusiso Dhlamini
Music Production
Class of 2021
Phodi

Phodi

Phodiso Raboroko
DJ
Class of 2017
Son of Dennis

Son of Dennis

Tennyson Mangena
Ultimate DJ
Class of 2017
Sheilah Gashumba

Sheilah Gashumba

Sheilah Gashumba
Advanced DJ
BABYGIRL ZAE

BABYGIRL ZAE

Samantha Erasmus
Performance
Class of 2019
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