PIERRE DE LA PORTE

Drummer for Francois van Coke & Zaan Sonnekus

MEET PIERRE DE LA PORTE

Pierre began playing drums at the age of 7 and was already performing in church by 13. His passion for rhythm quickly evolved into a professional career when he joined alternative rock band Held On Till May in 2015. During this time, he toured extensively and shared stages with some of South Africa’s top acts, including Fokofpolisiekar, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Francois van Coke, Arno Carstens, CrashCarBurn, and Straatligkinders.

Beyond the band scene, Pierre has performed as a session drummer for well-known local artists such as Juan Boucher, Tasha, and Gerhard Steyn, and has also held a long-standing performance role at The Barnyard Theatre.

🎓 Pierre completed his Grade 8 drum practical in 2015 and studied Jazz at Tshwane University of Technology’s Arts Campus. He has been teaching drums since 2017, working with students of all levels—from beginners to advanced players—focusing on both technical development and musical expression.

📲 With a strong online presence, Pierre regularly shares drum covers and live performance clips with his 11k+ Instagram followers and 1.3k+ TikTok fans. His YouTube channel also features over 70 videos, showcasing his versatility across styles.

Pierre offers both in-person drum lessons in Gauteng and potential online options for students beyond the area. His mix of formal training, real-world experience, and passion for teaching makes him a valuable part of our academy team.