Frequently Asked Questions

At RISE Academy, our mission is to empower and elevate emerging talents in the South African music industry.

Founded in 2015, the academy is committed to transforming raw talent into marketable, industry-ready performers through expert training, personalised mentoring, technical skill development and business acumen.

The aim is to nurture talent, craft success and help students turn their passion into a profitable business.

Want to know more?

• See student successes
• Read student testimonials

RISE Academy operates from three campuses across South Africa. Johannesburg serves as our head office and flagship campus, Cape Town is a smaller campus, and Durban is a satellite studio offering smaller, more focused classes. Select courses are also available online.

• Johannesburg: 173 Oxford Rd, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
• Cape Town: 80 Strand St, Cape Town City Centre
• Durban: 39 Albizia Pl, Westville

View campuses

A quick and easy way to chat is via WhatsApp. You can also call or email the academy.

Go to the Contact page for all contact information.

RISE Academy is open to anyone who is passionate about music.

RISE Academy prioritises passion and talent as the primary qualifications for enrolment. There are no general educational or technical prerequisites. For advanced courses, however, foundational skills should be mastered before progressing to higher levels.

The Higher Occupational Certificate in Sound Operation does have entry requirements:

• Any NQF Level 4 qualification, such as a National Senior Certificate / Matric or equivalent
• RPL may be available for learners without formal qualifications but with relevant industry experience
• No prior audio or technical experience is required
• Applicants must be 16 years or older

Explore the course collections

Part-time classes take place on Saturdays. The number of lessons per Saturday depends on the course and level you select – the more intensive the level, the more classes there will be.

Full-time classes take place Tuesday to Friday. The number of lessons per day depends on the course and level you select – the more intensive the level, the more classes there will be.

Class sizes are limited. Places are allocated once payment or the required deposit has been received, so early registration is recommended.

Click here to see course dates

Course fees and available payment options vary depending on the course and level selected.

View fees and payment options

Please note that fees paid to RISE Academy are non-refundable.

RISE Academy assists students with the loan application process through our trusted partner, Student Hero. Student Hero connects you with participating banks, and the loan itself is issued directly by the bank once your application is approved.

Here's how it works:

1. Click the link below to start your application
2. Follow the prompts to submit your details to Student Hero
3. Student Hero matches you with a suitable bank loan option
4. The bank reviews and issues the loan directly to you

Student Hero Loan Application

If you have questions about eligibility, repayment terms, or how the loan is paid toward your course fees, Student Hero's team can guide you through those details directly.

RISE Academy carefully selects mentors for each subject because the quality of education depends on the strength of the mentorship team.

Meet the RISE Academy mentors.

The enrolment process is the same as for national students. International students require additional paperwork for VISA applications, but the core steps remain the same.

Yes. RISE Academy hosts a graduation ceremony in April/May following completion of the course.

Students are required to pass all assessments that take place during the course in order to graduate. Students are also required to attend classes.

Yes. RISE Academy hosts “Speaker Sessions” throughout the year, providing a platform for students to sing, play or perform their music for peer feedback and entertainment. These sessions create valuable opportunities to build connections and network within the industry.

Yes. RISE Academy hosts workshops and networking sessions during the year, including examples such as DJ Battle and Mashup workshops.

The academy also runs a year-end project where students collaborate to produce a track or performance as a team and present it, together with a business plan, to a panel of judges.

You will need a laptop, earphones and FL Studio.