Sonia GreenI was born in China, and have been playing piano since I was seven years old. In 2001, after studying in the Shanghai Music Conservatory, I came to New Zealand to further my music study at Victoria University. I completed a Bachelor of Piano Performance with Honors in 2002, then a Masters of Piano Performance in 2005.
In 2005 I started my own Music School in Wellington. Many students from the school were successful in local piano competitions and received high marks in exams. I was also given many performance opportunities, and have enjoyed the chance to perform in venues such as the Michael Fowler Centre, Parliament House and the Town Hall. I have performed with the Wellington Orchestra and have participated in the NZSO's recording work. I am also an experienced accompanist, and enjoy accompanying music and vocal students of all levels for exams and competitions. From 2011-2012 I also taught chamber music, piano and accompaniment at the Northwest University Music School as a visiting lecturer. In early 2013 my kiwi husband and I moved back to New Zealand with our young family and I am currently combining private teaching practice and work at Wellesley College with raising my family. I teach mainly classical piano with a combination of traditional and Suzuki method. I believe it is important for children to discover their God given musical gift, and build confidence through performing from early age. My approach to teaching the boys is learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, yet with a high standard of requirement for musical details. |
Bob KeetonI have a performance L.T.C.L and a Bachelor of Music degree in composition From Victoria University and have been teaching piano for over 25 years. My primary performance work is in improvisation, playing in every format from solo Jazz piano to funk, pop, jazz, cabaret and rock bands. I have performed as a singer/songwriter, played in pit orchestras and as an accompanist to singers, instrumentalists and choirs. I also occasionally play in small solo classical piano recitals. I incorporate composition into traditional teaching methods, and try to develop each student's natural musicality by encouraging practical hands on harmony at the piano. |
Chris SelleyI started my music career as a musician in the Royal Green Jackets (British Army) for 6 years. My time in the Army also included an expedition to Jordan retracing Lawrence of Arabia’s footsteps. Worked in the IT industry in the UK and NZ after that for 9 years, while still performing with various Big Bands, Concert Bands and covers bands. Stopped working in IT in 1995 to become primary caregiver at home. As my children got to Kindergarten/School age I started teaching at a variety of Schools. Through those years I was still playing with several ensembles/groups. Currently perform with the David Feehan Band (since 1991), Rodger Fox Big Band (Wellington Jazz Orchestra), Wellington Mingus Ensemble. Also served in the Wellington & Hawkes bay (7th Battalion) Territorial Force Band for over 20 years, finishing my time as Bandmaster. I teach most brass instruments, but mainly play trumpet, flugelhorn, EVI & EWI (Electronic Valve Instrument & Electronic Wind Instrument). |
Jenni Champion, BMus(Hons), Grad.Dip Tch.Ln, A.Mus.AJenni began Suzuki violin lessons at age 4 in Sydney. She studied at the Conservatorium of Music, University of Hobart with Jan Sedivka and was a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra and Camerata. She has played with Tasmanian Symphony, Christchurch Symphony, Orchestra Wellington and New Zealand Symphony. Jenni is passionate about teaching by the Suzuki Method. Students have weekly individual lessons plus group lessons and a concert each term. There are also wonderful camps and workshops available to students through membership with the New Zealand Suzuki Institute. Suzuki Violin Lessons at Wellesley 2016 General Information:
Terms of enrolment
|
Andre ParisAndre has been active as a freelance musician and itinerant teacher in the Wellington region for over ten years. He holds a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (secondary). Andre has performed with nearly every established ensemble in the Wellington region including the NZSO, RNZAF Band, Orchestra Wellington and the Rodger Fox Big Band. In addition to itinerant lessons, he has also adjudicated and tutored at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival on numerous occasions, tutored at the NZ Jazz Foundation January workshops as well as many other instrumental workshops throughout the country as a part of the RNZAF Band. Andre is passionate about music education and continues to perform, teach and arrange music for all levels. |
Rob JoassHi, my name is Rob Joass and I have been teaching guitar at Wellesley for about 15 years now. I also teach at Scot’s College and privately. I have around 25 years experience as a guitar teacher, and have been a professional musician most of my adult life. My main focus is Contemporary Rock and Pop Guitar (Acoustic and Electric), but I also incorporate music selections from all genres that have influenced contemporary rock and pop guitarists. Students can expect to study pieces from the world of blues, folk, classical and jazz as they progress, as well as contemporary and classic rock artists such as Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters etc. I am an unapologetic stickler for good technique. Songs will come and go, but good technique is forever. Getting the technique right from the start means quicker progress, and ultimately to a greater enjoyment of playing the guitar. Students are encouraged to bring along their own favourite songs for study, as I have found this to be a very effective way of helping students engage in their lessons and to see practice as a thing to enjoy, rather than a chore. The fundamentals of reading music will be covered but I favour the use of Tablature (or Tab) which is very straightforward and is universally used for transcribing guitar pieces, even at NCEA level. If a student is interested in graded exams, I use and recommend the Trinity/Guildhall series. You can find out more about them here: |
Peter ElliottHi my name is Peter Elliott and I have been the drum tutor at Wellesley College for the past 10 years. I began learning drumming at the age of 14, and I’ve continued to develop my skills through teaching and playing regularly. I’m able to facilitate all sorts of styles and teaching techniques, including: Jazz, Rock, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Funk, Soul R&B, Hip Hop, Drum n Bass, Electronic and many more… I gained a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Drumming (2003 NZSM) and have been fortunate enough to be taught from the masterful teacher Chris O’Connor and also from renowned NZSM tutors Roger Sellers and Lance Phillip. I have maintained a creative and innovative teaching style both privately, and at Schools over the past 12 years such as: Wellesley College, St Marks Church School, Onslow College, Wainuiomata College and Samuel Marsden Collegiate. Currently performing in multiple bands and jazz trios, I regularly take part in New Zealand jazz festival events, and also playing around local bars and restaurants, with a selection of NZ’s finest musicians. |
|
|