Early Years
Originally from Blenheim, I began my piano journey at the age of nine under the guidance of Dorothy Payne, who had also taught my mother. I later advanced to Grade 8 piano studies with Rewa Crawley, an exceptional teacher and mentor. Rewa greatly expanded my musical understanding, encouraging me to explore other instruments, such as the violin (up to Grade 6) and bassoon (up to Grade 4), as well as accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists.
My musical experiences were diverse, ranging from playing piano duets and trios to turning pages for professional touring pianists. I competed in various competitions and undertook both theory and practical exams with Trinity College of Music and ABRSM. At Marlborough Girls’ College, I served as orchestra leader (1st violin, 1st Chair), sang as a Soprano 2 in the auditioned choir La Chorodia, arranged choral pieces and medleys, participated in chamber music groups, and completed recorder ensemble exams with Trinity College.
In addition to performing, I began teaching piano privately and led recorder group classes for primary school children through the Marlborough School of Music Instrumental Classes. During my final year at Marlborough Girls’ College, I was awarded several music prizes and trophies, recognising my dedication and achievements in music.
University
I earned a Bachelor of Music (MusB) from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1989, majoring in Advanced Harmony, Music History and Analysis and completing two years of Composition studies. During my time in Christchurch, I sang as a Soprano 2 with the Celebration Singers, an auditioned choir, and explored playing the Pipe Organ.
After Graduating
Returning to Blenheim I took violin lessons up to Grade 6 with Marios Sophocleous. I worked as a copywriter in radio and later in advertising sales for The Marlborough Express newspaper.
During this period, I was invited to serve as a fill-in accompanist for the Blenheim Choral Society. At the same time, I taught piano and established a children’s choir at Nativity’s Anglican Church. Shortly after, in 1994, I relocated to Wellington to further a career in advertising.
Orchestras & Choirs
After relocating to Wellington for my advertising career, I joined amateur orchestras, playing 2nd violin for Tawa Orchestra and The Hutt Valley Orchestra. I continued to teach piano on a smaller scale.
In 2010, I answered an ad in The Upper Hutt Leader and began working with Joanne Roelofs, the Musical Director of The Hutt Valley Singers, as their rehearsal pianist/accompanist. I accompanied this choir for almost eight years. With my friend and colleague Joanne, we formed The Major Minors Children’s Choir in 2012. This choir has since grown to include another vocal group, The Harmonic Minors, which is auditioned. I also manage their website and design.
Teaching & Further Study
In 2017, I returned to teaching piano, focusing on professional development, and in 2018, I started teaching piano online. In January 2020, I attended Piano Pivot Live in Melbourne, hosted by Tim Topham from Top Music, where I was honored to be invited as a guest teacher on a panel to discuss growth as a teacher.
In April 2021, after 27 years, I made the decision to leave my management role in Advertising Support Operations at Stuff to pursue teaching piano full-time.
I completed the Foundation Course with the Institute of Registered Music Teachers, which included teacher observation, in March 2023. I am registered as an Associate of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers and support the Wellington branch with web design and social media.
At present, I am working toward additional piano performance qualifications and a certificate in Developmental Learning and Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents.
