Cobus van der Walt – Teacher & Founder of Keyz Music Lessons

Cobus van der Walt’s musical journey began at an early age when his innate talent for music led him to choose the piano as his primary outlet for creativity. He quickly developed his skills, composing original pieces that he used for exams and competitions.

After completing high school, Cobus studied Music Performance at in Pretoria, South Africa. Between 2003 and 2005, he held the position of resident pianist at The Palace of the Lost City (Sun City), performing daily at Villa del Palazzo and The Crystal Court. He later expanded his performance repertoire to prestigious venues in Johannesburg, including The Residence, Michelangelo’s, Sandton Sun, Gold Reef City, and The Maximilien (Da Vinci Hotel, Sandton).

In addition to his performance career, Cobus worked at Music World East Rand Mall from 2005 to 2016, eventually rising to the role of operations manager. During this time, he continued composing music and performing at 5-star hotels. Cobus is also an internationally recognized recording artist and composer, having recorded ten studio albums featuring many of his original compositions. His latest album, To Live in the Moment, was released in 2024 under the pseudonym Bernardt James and is available on all major digital platforms via www.bernardtjames.com.

Cobus’s diverse musical experience plays a key role in shaping his approach to teaching. In August 2017, he founded Keyz Music Lessons in Verwoerdpark, Alberton, where he focuses on piano pedagogy and music theory. His academic background, which spans Educational Psychology, Business Operations Management, Music Performance, and Music Theory, informs his distinctive and effective teaching style.

Since the school’s founding, hundreds of students have benefitted from Cobus’s expertise, and he continues to inspire both students and aspiring musicians through his compositions and teaching

Updated 3 September 2025