CV

Walk down memory lane

Turning points

Bruce’s Music

1. Hang Around With Some Sax

by Dr Bruce Copley | In this light hearted improvisation, Anders Paulsson the celebrated Swedish musician, song writer and composer plays the soprano sax and I play the Pygmy hang drum.

3. Takes 3 to Tango

by Dr Bruce Copley | An improvised piece with Barbara Kennedy on electric piano, me on the bamboo sax and Anders Paulsson on the soprano sax.

5. Sweet and Simple

by Dr Bruce Copley | An improvised creation with Anders Paulsson on soprano sax, Barbara Kennedy on cello and yours truly playing the didge, shaker and Hang drum.

7. Afro/Euro Play-Along

by Dr Bruce Copley | This creation emerged spontaneously to close our Pringle Bay concert with Barbara Kennedy on electric piano, renowned Austrian Erich Huetter on cello and me playing the Karimba or African piano (Mbira).

8. Troika Dance

by Dr Bruce Copley | An improvised tune with Barbara Kennedy on electric piano, Anders Paulsson on soprano sax and yours truly on the bamboo sax.

10. And Then There Were Two

by Dr Bruce Copley | An improvised creation recorded live at a concert in Pringle Bay with Barbara Kennedy on cello and me sounding the Halo drum.

12. Don't Worry, Be Happy (Lekolilo)

by Dr Bruce Copley | Don't Worry, Be Happy (Lekolilo) This is just a simple plastic irrigation pipe(no holes or fipple) that is transformed into a sweet sounding African Penny Whistle. I saw a wonderful black musician (Mduduzi Mbuyazi) playing this pipe on the Waterfront a few years ago and was so inspired by what I heard that I decided to learn to play it myself and it is now one of my favourite instruments. It has a long history in South Africa and was played using a reed by cattle herders in many of the tribes eg Sotho, Pedi, Zulu who used to play to the cattle they were tending to help them produce sweet milk. I have handed out thousands all over the world and there are now many youngsters playing it on street corners and making a living doing it.

14. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Karimba)

by Dr Bruce Copley | I had this Karimba(Mbira) commonly known as the African Piano especially designed for me by African Musical Instruments in Grahamstown (owned by the famous Andrew Tracey son of the late and even more famous Hugh Tracey). It has 15 notes or more than 2 full octaves and this one is in F which is one of my favourite keys.

16. Clarytone (Medley)

by Dr Bruce Copley | The Clarytone is much more than meets the eye. This astonishing instrument allows anyone irrespective of their musical background or experience to begin playing recognizable tunes you have in your head in just a FEW MINUTES. To play it accurately does require practice in much the same way that singing in tune does.

2. Cello, Didge and Halo Effect

by Dr Bruce Copley | An improvised dance of cello played by Barbara Kennedy with me on the didge and the Halo drum recorded live at a Pringle Bay concert.

4. Camel Train

by Dr Bruce Copley | A song composed by Barbara Kennedy playing the cello and yours truly on the Tarbuka drum, didge, shaker and bells, performed live at a concert in Pringle Bay.

6. Perhaps Love Is... (Harmonica)

by Dr Bruce Copley | This beautiful and very popular song written by John Denver and sung as a duet with Placido Domingo, is a moving reminder that LOVE is what makes life worth living and that in both its giving and receiving, it always has met and always will meet every human need.

9. A Sacred Co-Creation

by Dr Bruce Copley | I play the hauntingly beautiful 4 chambered sacred heart flute with Barbara Kennedy on electric piano and Erich Huetter on cello at a concert in Pringle Bay.

11. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Harmonica)

by Dr Bruce Copley | This song is dedicated to my beloved friends who shared our recent extraordinary sacred circle gathering where we were able in the most beautiful way to say YES I have told you lately that I love you!! May that experience and this song be a reminder to continually express your love and gratitude to those who make your life worth living. Backing track with permission from Ameritz Music Ltd

13. From A Distance (Ocarina)

by Dr Bruce Copley | This moving song reminds us of the importance of Eco Literacy and in particular of cultivating a deep respect for our beautiful silver grey planet. The Ocarina which is an ancient circular clay flute is an instrument I have really grown to love deeply. Made from the earth of our astonishing earth it feels very appropriate to be playing this song with the ocarina......it is my gift to the earth and to you as the children of the earth.

15. For All We Know (Harmonica)

by Dr Bruce Copley | This song was made famous by Karen Carpenter whose beautiful voice still echoes in my mind everytime I hear or play this song. The harmonica uses both the in and the out breath to create notes and this flowing life force balance offers something very life affirming when playing it.

17. Fly Me To The Moon (Whistling)

by Dr Bruce Copley | Roger Whittaker inspired me many years ago with his beautiful whistling(Don't Believe in If Anymore) and this wonderful song originally performed by Frank Sinatra just makes me want to whistle when I hear it.....here then is a 3 H (Head, Heart and Hands) dance expression of this knee jerk response.

Dr Bruce Copley

Dr Bruce Copley is a leading holistic animator whose unique presentations at major international business conferences & seminars throughout the world, consistently achieve the highest speaker ratings.

Utilising a remarkable array of activities & skills such as storytelling through a didgeridoo, vocal harmonics, commusication, drama, poetry, comedy, edutainment, holoprinting, etc. – Bruce transforms boring conventional messages & topics into vibrant & captivating learning adventures. From these art-making experiences delegates rediscover the ‘learner within’ thereby ensuring that something new is understood &/or something is newly understood.

Biography
Bruce Copley, former University Professor of Human Movement Science, is an internationally acclaimed holistic educator who has inspired tens of thousands of people to rediscover their lost love of learning. Bruce has spent the past 40 years totally engrossed in – EDUCATION! The first 19 years were spent in formal academic education at 5 universities, 3 in South Africa (Pretoria, Rhodes and Witwatersrand) & 2 abroad – Simon Fraser University in Canada & San Diego State in the United States of America.
During this time Bruce was awarded multiple degrees, was the recipient of the prestigious British Association Medal for exceptional scientific research & was a Professor and Head of Sports Science at Wits University in Johannesburg.

For the past two decades Bruce has immersed himself in the art and science of informal and alternative education, and pioneered and developed his revolutionary holistic methods of education and training known as Cogmotics (cogitare – to think, and motare – to move).

Described as a real life version of the teacher in the award winning film ‘Dead Poets Society’ Bruce creates unforgettable learning experiences for people from pre-schoolers to senior citizens.

He brings a fresh and profound approach to holism, grounded in his own awakened awareness and fuelled by a passion to rekindle in others the freedom and fullness that is their innate birthright. He draws no sharp distinction between his mind and body, his labour and leisure, and his teaching and learning. He is content to pursue his visions of excellence through whatever he is doing leaving others to question whether he is playing or working… to himself he always appears to be doing both. His two ongoing challenges in life are to walk his talk and to hold his visions lightly.

Track Record
Educational Qualifications:
Multiple university degrees, a 50 page CV, hundreds of publications (popular and scientific) and the recipient of the prestigious British Association medal for cutting edge scientific research
Professional Experience:
39 years in education, communication, training and teaching at universities in South Africa, USA and Canada

Conferences:
Consistently rated as the leading speaker at major international conferences since 1999

Corporate Drumming:
Pioneered corporate drumming in South Africa in 1991 and received national television coverage for the first corporate drumming event in Sandton, Johannesburg, in 1994

First live SA/USA conference broadcast in 1991:
With the late Dr Leo Buscaglia entitled ‘Only you can make the difference’

Discrimination / Diversity workshops:
Pioneered a holistic intervention to effectively counter the detrimental effects of discrimination and stereotyping

Musicianship:
Plays a large variety of musical instruments (99) achieving worldwide acclaim as a Maverick didgeridoo player able to create fire in this 40,000 year old instrument

Sports Field:
Former International tennis and provincial squash player and a leading South African Supersportsman

RAINBOW VUVUZELA:
Dr Bruce Copley multi-intrumentalist and pioneer of corporate drumming in South Africa has made an exciting discovery that transforms the vuvuzela into a sweet sounding multi-noted musical instrument. This revolutionary discovery a world first, offers a simple, creative and effective solution to the controversial white noise produced by the vuvuzela. With a few simple techniques, a little practice and without instrument modification any Vuvuzela enthusiast can learn to play the RAINBOW VUVUZELA producing multiple trumpet notes, a delightful range of sweet sounding African Penny Whistle notes and tunes, use it as a megaphone to amplify singing and whistling sounds, create simple rhythms and riffs and even play conventional tunes such as our national anthem, amazing grace, sweet chariot, etc.

The African continent and in particular South Africa has a proud reputation for producing beautiful music, songs, dances and rhythms. Played conventially in our stadiums the vuvuzela is not doing this hard earned musical reputation any justice…learning to play the Rainbow Vuvuzela brings back the music and ensures smiles on the faces of all those who play or listen to it.

WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE IS NOT THE VUVUZELA(design, shape, composition, colour or size) BUT THE PLAYER !!…….. this is exactly what the Rainbow Vuvuzela demonstrates so sweetly and joyously.

FEEDBACK FROM SOME EXCITED RAINBOW VUVUZELA CONVERTS

Mr Neil van Schalkwyk the father of the Vuvuzela that he introduced to South Africa in 1998:
‘It is with a lot of glee and satisfaction that I write in response to the fantastic work you have done in developing the Rainbow Vuvuzela….. you have come up with a solution to create sweet music with the vuvuzela….traditional football supporters have only known one way of blowing the vuvuzela……we look forward to working with you in taking the vuvuzela to a new level through the beautiful music it will now create…. considering the potential impact your revolutionary method will have on the way we celebrate football in South Africa, I see the rest of the world embracing our culture for years to come’

Mr Kevin Chaplin, Director of the Amy Biehl Foundation:
‘We are very excited about the Rainbow Vuvuzela……..we are keen for a training session for all our 52 facilitators and co-ordinators……we are also very excited for the 1446 children in our programmes being given this opportunity…..they come from the townships of Guguletu, Nyanga, Crossroads, Langa and Mammenberg……we are eagerly awaiting to start this exciting project’

Dr Henning Gericke, Sport Psychologist:
This celebrated sport psychologist who worked with Jake White and the 2007 World Rugby Cup champions is very excited about the Rainbow Vuvuzela and has given it his full support. He would like it introduced to our Bafana Bafana players so that they can produce beautiful music with it and inspire and motivate their followers to do the same.

Rave Reviews

‘Of the 51 external contributors who met with the Meridian group this year, comprising leading figures across the public, private and civil society sectors, you were voted the second-best speaker. Given the calibre of the individuals who contributed, from Director Generals of national government departments, to other CEOs, Heads of NGOs and individuals who carry great reputations in their personal capacities, this is a significant achievement and a great honour. Thank you again for your contribution to the group. We are most grateful to you!…This has been a great year of connection between AHAA Learning and Common Purpose.’
– Elsbeth Dixon, CEO of Common Purpose
‘Rather than trying to teach you something Bruce Copley masterfully invites you into discovering and finding out for yourself. From the first experience we were prodded through communication, coaxed through music, beckoned through theatre, teased by drums and nudged by silence.’
– Sandy Dacombe, SABC presenter

‘Your interventions have played a significant role in the transformation processes in the various businesses I’ve managed over a number years. I applied many of the holistic lifestyle and leadership principles learnt from you and they resulted in dramatic changes in both my life and those of my staff. Significant positive impacts on quality, standards, service, revenue growth and profitability were the result.’
– Mr Grant Ruddiman, Leading International Hotelier

‘Dr Copley’s passionate and interactive approach is a refreshing departure from tradition and conventionality. He manages to do exactly what he says which is to re-ignite a person’s passion for learning at a deep and permanent level – no matter what the particular arena of learning may be. The truly remarkable thing is that Dr Copley embodies what he teaches – he inspires by example and really walks his talk. He is not only content to dream visions of possibility but is committed to transforming them into action and reality. He is Patch Adams, he is John Keating from Dead Poets Society, he is any person who selflessly serves the human race and skillfully catalyzes holistic human potential, personal mastery, self reliance, community service, personal freedom and non violence.’
– Stefan Coetzee, Programmer

‘Dr. Bruce Copley and his AAHA Learning associates create a wonderful safe space for a Learning experience which is holistic and appeals to multiple aspects of our human journeys. We were amazed at the amount of life-relevant themes which could be covered. We found it inspiring, healing, transformational and positively challenging and can highly recommend the Learningshop.’
– Louise van Rhyn, Director of Symphonia

‘You achieved excellent ratings for both your sessions and were the only presenter to do this – due to this outstanding performance we would like to extend a special invitation for you to present at our conference next year.’
– Lennart Rohlin, President, MiL Institute, Sweden.

‘You made such a huge impression at our annual conference attended by 1500 principals from all over South Africa that the decision to invite you to address our annual Teachers conference was unanimous… we want them like the principals to get excited about teaching using all your lateral thinking methods.’
– Gavin Keller, Academic Programme Director, South African Principals Association (SAPA)

‘Dr Bruce Copley recently delivered a keynote address and a workshop at our annual International LearnX Asia Pacific 2007 Conference in Sydney’s Darling Harbour. This is the largest and most prestigious training event in Australia incorporating more than 70 speakers and 350 delegates from all over the world. Bruce proved to be a superb communicator, an energetic speaker and an excellent consultant. He was a breath of fresh air and had a very positive impact on the conference overall. The majority of the attendees rated Dr Copley’s contribution as the ‘highlight’ of the event.’
– Rob Clarke, Conference Organiser and Editor of ‘Training Australia’ Magazine

‘This method is extremely conducive to learning and these concepts are never forgotten…’
– Steven Bagg (Operations Director, Sun City Resort)

‘Far more experiential and multidimensional than other professional development programmes…’
– Prof William Spady (Founder of Outcomes Based Education – OBE)

‘In all of the sessions I was privileged to have with Bruce I believe that these experiences have made me a better manager, friend, husband and father…’
– Christopher P. Johnson (Executive Assistant manager, Sun City Hotel)

‘Die kursus het my geweldig gehelp om openbaarheid in my span te kry…’
– Elbeth le Roux (Head of Training – Technicon, SA)

‘Your receiving a standing ovation at a business conference is very rare indeed…’
– Nils Welleus

‘Elevates an organization onto a new plane of real learning…’
– John Counihan (Sasol)

‘For the second successive year you were our top presenter…’
– Yvonne Olsson, (Management Institute of Lund(MiL), Sweden)

‘Whether you are a trainer wanting to re-ignite the passion for your teachings, an executive in urgent need of balance in your life, or just someone who understands that great customer service comes from passion and pride, the Shangri-La experience with Bruce Copley is an absolute necessity. Forget the boredom of the boardroom (bored-room), forget the rush, take time to turn the mirror to yourself and your company, reflect on your life under the caring eye of a world-class teacher/facilitator/animator. In the world of knowledge-work, Bruce Copley’s course is an oases in the desert. You are guaranteed to go back to the workplace with a new sense of creativity, passion and enthusiasm. This course is a life changing experience. You cannot afford to miss it!’
– Igno van Niekerk, Account Manager: Liberty Life Learning Department
Lecturer: University of the Free State)

Ordinary Won't Change the World

2,500 years ago Confucius said ‘Tell them and they will forget, show them and they may remember, but involve them and they will understand’. We all know that the inherent truth of this statement has been around as long as the principle of aerodynamics – which is forever!

Research has revealed that 90% of information received is soon forgotten and that 75% of delegates ‘disengage’ from what is being presented at conferences, workshops and seminars. This is because little or nothing can be learnt by sitting in mute surrender before what is being presented. Fido will certainly attest to this!

DOES THIS WHISTLE RING A BELL FOR YOU?

The solution is simple and involves applying the principles of holistic, whole person learning and involvement… when this happens it is like applying the principle of aerodynamics and instead of being earth bound or falling, we begin to fly!

‘Ice breakers’ are commonly used to open, relax and warm delegates followed by ‘big freeze’ tactics that bombard delegates with facts, information, complex models, endless monologues, Power Point presentations and quotes that are largely forgotten within hours if not minutes – sound familiar?

If traditional programmes and workshops are not becoming to you, then you should be coming to AAHA LEARNINGSHOPS – the definitive concept in EDUTAINMENT

 Articles & Publications by Dr. Bruce Copley

The Sounds of Healing – Part 2

As healing through sound occurs in almost limitless forms and combinations, writing a short article on this topic can at best, only constitute the tip of the proverbial iceberg. What follows is an attempt to enlarge the tip of this huge ‘sound healing iceberg’…

read more

Primary School

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High School

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut pharetra sit amet aliquam id diam. Aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula. Arcu dictum varius duis at. Gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras. Sit amet nulla facilisi morbi. Massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan.

University 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut pharetra sit amet aliquam id diam. Aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula. Arcu dictum varius duis at. Gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras. Sit amet nulla facilisi morbi. Massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan.

Army 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut pharetra sit amet aliquam id diam. Aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula. Arcu dictum varius duis at. Gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras. Sit amet nulla facilisi morbi. Massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan.

Love Life

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut pharetra sit amet aliquam id diam. Aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula. Arcu dictum varius duis at. Gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras. Sit amet nulla facilisi morbi. Massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan.

Love at first sight

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut pharetra sit amet aliquam id diam. Aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula. Arcu dictum varius duis at. Gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras. Sit amet nulla facilisi morbi. Massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan.

Ongoing Loves

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut pharetra sit amet aliquam id diam. Aliquam ultrices sagittis orci a. Scelerisque viverra mauris in aliquam sem fringilla ut morbi tincidunt. Nunc pulvinar sapien et ligula. Arcu dictum varius duis at. Gravida arcu ac tortor dignissim convallis aenean et. Pulvinar mattis nunc sed blandit libero volutpat sed cras. Sit amet nulla facilisi morbi. Massa eget egestas purus viverra accumsan.