Our Coaches
Our Vision
Our vision is to master vocal perfection.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote effortless singing through professional vocal guidance, based on technique and diverse genre development, in order to master live performance.
Meet The Coaches
Cobus Smuts – Baritone
Cobus matriculated from Eldoraigne High in 2007 where he participated in various school productions and national competitions. Cobus formed part of the Black Tie Ensemble performing Madama Butterfly, Lucia di Lammermoor, L’elisir d’amor, I Pagliacci, Don Pasquale, Cavalleria Rusticana, Rossini Mass and La Boheme.
He enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology in 2008 to complete a National Diploma in Vocal Art Performance. Cobus is very privileged to be mentored by the world renowned South African baritone, Hans van Heerden. He performed at corporate functions as a soloist or as part of XQST. These companies include Pro Cantare Choir (Roodepoort), SAGIC (Bloemfontein), Carols by Candle Light (Fourways), SA Police-band and the Down Syndrome Association (Gauteng). He has also judged at singing competitions at schools and was a judge of the Pitching Perfect Singing Competition 2014 – 2015. In August 2015 he judged the Newcastle Eisteddfod and hosted a very successful masterclass.
Monique Koster – Lyric Soprano
Monique Smuts matriculated at Middelburg High in 2009. During her school years she participated in a variety of school productions and competitions at national level. She has also been a part of the Mpumalanga Youth Choir for many years. From 2003 to 2006 Monique’s initial vocal training focussed on light classical music and was instructed by Esmé Solms.
When realising her potential as classical singer, she was referred to Pierre du Toit, vocal lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology. He emained her mentor and vocal coach when she enrolled at this institution as a first year student in Vocal Arts in 2010. Before graduating in 2014, she took part in the following university productions and productions/competitions in the Gauteng area: Hänsel und Gretel – E. Humperdinck directed by Pierre du Toit, Petite Messe solennelle – G. Rossini conducted by Thami Zungu, Orchestra University of South Africa, Faust – C. Gounod and Die Zauberflöte – W.A. Mozart. Understudy: Second Child-spirit directed by Marcus Desando. Classical singing competitions: Kraal Arts festival (Centurion), Pretoria Eisteddfod and Centurion Eisteddfod.
She was highly commended as classical singer during all of these competitions. Solo performances at corporate functions and charity events include: Classic Lite presents Cobus Smuts (Lemon Jack Theatre, Centurion), Carols by Candlelight (Fourways, Johannesburg), Down Syndrome Fundraising (Pretoria) and Charity Event (Roodepoort Civic Theater), Tshwane Youth Arts Festival: Performance with Fleur Primary’s junior choir (Pretoria State Theatre) and Jacaranda Choir Festival: Performance with Fleur Primary’s junior choir (Pretoria University – Groenkloof Campus). Monique also participated in the National Opera Singing Competition 2015 of Amazwi Omzansi Africa.
Monique went into education in 2016. She is currently an educator at Curro Thatchfield in Centurion. She has then started the Acappela group at Curro Thatchfield High school.
Karin Lea van Zyl – Mezzo Soprano
Karin matriculated from Eldoraigne High in 2007 where she participated in various school productions and national competitions, including the South African Talent Championships and Crescendo.
Her love for music was realised at a very early age and her vocal talent was first identified by her Arts and Culture teacher, who referred her to commercial singer and vocal coach Sindy Claassens. Karin received vocal training from Sindy Claassens and Rudi Claase from 2003 to 2007. Karin enjoys writing and composing her own music and received the award for Best Own Composition in 2007.
After high school, she continued to study B.Sc at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University. During her university career she performed at various weddings, events and local restaurants in her free time. Karin also participated in various campus talent championships and competitions and was the trainer for a cappella serenade group, Heide Ladies Residence, from 2009 to 2012 and achieved a first place in 2012 for the best ladies serenade group. The group proceeded to take part in the annual National ATKV Serenade competition. During her university career she was influenced by, coached and worked with various local artists including Bouwer Bosch, Jako Meyer and Prof Jooste at the NWU’s music department.
She also received training and guidance from Reinhardt Nel who holds a B.Mus degree and extensive vocal training knowledge. Alongside Cobus and Monique Smuts, Karin was a part of the cast in Classic Lite presents Cobus Smuts (Lemon Jack Theatre, Centurion), Across the Genres (Encore Theatre) and Christmas with a Twist (NG Kerk Rooihuiskraal). During this time she received vocal guidance from the very experienced soprano, Lizette Jonker. With a love for children, young people and teaching she pursued a postgraduate diploma in Education for the Senior and FET phase focussing on Physical and Life Science methodologies. Karin took up a part-time career in vocal training from July 2014. In 2015 her students achieved fantastic results in various local and international competitions. Her students hold various category winner awards and two of her students were chosen to represent South Africa in the USA as part of the South African Talent Championships team. Her aim is to provide singers not only with the correct technique and styling, but to imprint a passion and love for the performing arts.
