Andre Swartz

Live entertainment and venue professional with experience in guest services, venue readiness, music education, faculty leadership, recruitment, marketing, administration, and live performance. Currently supporting guest experience and event operations at House of Blues Dallas, with prior leadership experience as Head of Faculty at the Campus of Performing Arts in Cape Town. Brings a Guest First approach, strong interpersonal communication, and extensive experience working in fast-paced live-music environments.

Performance experience includes the Royal Shakespeare Company, SXSW, Cape Town International Jazz Festival, and Afropunk.

Security & Guest Services - House of Blues - Dallas, TX

(2025-01)

Recognized as Employee of the Quarter, 2026 Q2. Maintain a safe, welcoming Guest First experience in a high-volume live entertainment venue.

• Direct guests to seating and assist with venue flow and customer needs
• Support venue cleanliness and readiness throughout events
• Set up rooms for special event operations (SEOs) and seated shows
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, often loud live-music environment

Professional Musician - Self-Employed - Dallas, TX

(2018-01 - 2025-12)

Led and performed with multiple professional music ensembles, including the South African Heritage Ensemble, André Swartz Trio, and Swanky Doodles, performing for public, private, corporate, and cultural events. Managed the preparation and delivery of live performances across venues and events, collaborating with musicians, artists, event organizers, and venues to coordinate performances and deliver high-quality live entertainment. Managed the practical demands of professional performance, including talent acquisition and management, marketing, scheduling, communications, and adapting to changing event requirements.

Head of Faculty | Drumset Lecturer | Music Business Lecturer - Campus of Performing Arts (COPA) - Cape Town

(2013-01 - 2017-12)

Head of campus for a music performing college; worked across teaching, faculty, recruitment, marketing, and administration functions, requiring organization and clear communication.

• Led teaching and student assessment preparation while overseeing faculty-related administration
• Supported marketing and student recruitment for programs in Music Performance, Music Production, and Music Business

Drum Set Teacher - Rondebosch Boys High School - Cape Town

(2012-01 - 2013-12)

Taught Grade 8–9 students taking music as an elective, as well as students studying drum set as an extracurricular subject.

Drums & Bass Guitar Instructor - Rainbow Music Academy - Cape Town

(2011-01 - 2012-12)

Taught drums and bass guitar and prepared students for Royal Schools of Music examinations. Supported an NGO focused on the music industry.

Drum Set Lecturer - Cape Music Institute - Cape Town

(2011-01 - 2012-12)

Taught drum set at a Cape Flats-based music education organization.

Facilitator - Artscape Youth Jazz Project - Cape Town

(2007-01 - 2007-12)

Facilitated four high school bands in preparation for a showcase at the Artscape Theatre.

BMus - Jazz Composition and Arrangement - University of Cape Town