Lewis Eady Music School Auckland Teacher Profiles

Guitar Lessons

Introducing you to our music teachers and support team...

	Alex Urlich who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches guitar and bass guitar at Marist College and Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Alex holds a Bachelor of Music (Jazz) from Massey University, Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching from Auckland University and a Diploma in Audio Engineering from SAE Technology College. Alex has been playing electric bass guitar for 15 years and has been teaching for the last 7 years. Professionally Alex has performed at Womad, Rhythm and Vines, Perth International Arts Festival and the Australasian World Muisc Expo. His performance experience includes playing with Batucada Sound Machine, One Million Dollars, Yule and Tangent and recording as session bassist for Nesian Mystik, Julie Ta'ale, Simon Spire and Tim William. Alex also played bass on Batucada Sound Machine's critically acclaimed album 'Rhythm and Rhyme'.

	Asher Truppman Lattie who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches saxophone, flute and clarinet at Bayfield School on Saturdays. He is currently studying Jazz Performance at the University of Auckland. Asher was awarded an ASB Top Scholar Award and a University of Auckland Jubilee Award. He was a winnder in the Tauranga Youth Jazz Competition for best combo and big band. In addition to teaching, Asher enjoys performing at private functions and weddings.

	Bede Maclaurin who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches piano, keyboard and ukulele at Lewis Eady Music School, Remuera. Having achieved the Australia New Zealand Cultural Arts Grade 8 Modern practical exam with honours in 2003 and an A Bursary with a scholarship in Music from Senior College, Bede went on to study Jazz Piano at Auckland University and is currently preparing for Trinity Guildhall’s Performers Certificate. Bede has been playing piano since he was 7 and started playing guitar at 14.

	Benjamin Devery who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches piano, keyboard and accordian at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera), Pt Chevalier, Ponsonby, Maungawhau, Balmoral and Bayfield Schools. Ben grew up in Tauranga where he taught piano at a local Music School. He was deputy head boy (Arts) at Mount Maunganui College and is now majoring in a degree in performance jazz piano at Auckland University. He currently plays in a Jazz Quartet who recently played at the Tauranga Jazz Festival.

	Brent McGarva who joined Lewis Eady in 2005 teaches at Lewis Eady Rock School in the school holidays. Brent holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Auckland, Grade 8 Piano and is is a newly appointed teacher to the music department at Aorere College where his special focus is working with the school's rock bands. Brent writes and performs both classical and rock music and is the Principal Coach of the Lewis Eady Rock School.

	Caitlyn Abbott who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches piano at Parnell District Primary School and at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Having moved to New Zealand from Cape Town, South Africa five years ago, Caitlyn achieved her ATCL in 2009 and has just commenced her second year of a Performance Piano degree at Auckland University. Caitlyn's music experience is varied ranging from accompanying a church choir to playing in a hair salon! An avid concert and movie goer, Caitlyn also enjoys drawing and painting in her spare time.

	Carol Buckton who joined Lewis Eady in 2006 teaches recorder and keyboard at Pt Chevalier, Ponsonby, Pasadena and Bayfield Primary Schools. Carol brings considerable experience in recorder, early music performance and education. With LTCL in recorder and ATCL in piano Carol is also a primary school teacher and music specialist. She teaches music to all – children to tertiary teachers. Co-author of the MUSIKit Recorder series, and involved with the Children’s Music Centre for several years teaching violin and recorder to 7-11 year olds, Carol is also our teacher mentor who offers support and advice to our teaching team.

	Charlotte O'Brien who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches voice at Ponsonby Primary School and at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Rd, Remuera) and takes the Puriri choir at Ponsonby Primary School. Charlotte has a degree in Performing Arts Musical Theatre from NASDA (National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts) Christchurch, achieved grade 8 Trinity Music Theatre Singing with high distinction and won the vocal trophy at Rangitoto College. Charlotte enjoys regular singing gigs and her recent theatre performances include Forbidden Broadway and Les Miserables.

	Cheryl le Fevre who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches concert band at Ponsonby and Birkenhead Primary Schools. Cheryl, achieved a First Class Honours Degree in Music, Masters degree in Music and Teaching Diploma from Auckland University. A current member of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and a qualified classroom teacher, Cheryl brings our team valuable experience in both teaching and performance with over 20 years playing and teaching experience in Schools, Orchestras, Concert Bands and Musical Theatre Productions.

	Christina Yu who joined Lewis Eady in 2007 teaches violin at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Christina holds her Master's in violin Performance from Auckland University and Diploma of Music from Zhejiang University which she achieved before coming to New Zealand. Concert master of the Auckland University Orchestra in 2005, Christina has also performed with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Wellington Vector Orchestra, and Waitakere Orchestra in Auckland.

	Christmas Ropati who joined Lewis Eady in 2009 teaches guitar, bass guitar, Rock Band and ukulele at Pt Chevalier and Bayfield Schools and at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Having achieved a Certificate in Music at Te Wananga O Aotearoa in 2003, Chris went on to complete his Certificate in Contemporary Music in 2004 at MAINZ. Playing guitar in many bands and gigging at least once a week, Chris brings valuable performance experience to our team.

	Cindy Tsao who joined Lewis Eady in 2009 teaches piano and violin at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Topping the country several times in Trinity Guildhall exams, including an internationally renowned score of 100%, she has recently gained her ATCL Diploma on Violin, and her LTCL Diploma (94%) on Piano. Past musical highlights include being one of the top 6 semi-finalists in the prestigious National Young Performer of the Year Competition, a featured soloist on both piano and violin accompanied by various Tauranga Concert Orchestras and concertmaster of the NZSSSO (Secondary School’s Symphony Orchestra) in 2006. Cindy also joined the Auckland Youth Choir this year as accompanist.

	Crystal Choi who joined Lewis Eady this year teaches piano and keyboard at Bayfield School on Saturdays. Crystal has been playing piano for 16 years and has just completed her first year majoring in jazz piano at the University of Auckland. Crystal achieved Grade 8 Piano with Distinction in 2008 and Grade 7 Singing with Distinction in 2009. Shdis has been teaching piano since 2010.

	Daniel Kennedy who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches drum kit at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Daniel moved from Christchurch to Auckland last year. His extensive teaching experience includes drum tutoring at Rangi Ruru Girls College, Christchurch Boys High School, St Andrews College Christchurch and CPIT Jazz School. Daniel also brings extensive performance experience to our team including performing with Hollie Smith, Midge Marsden, James Morrison, Tim Beveridge, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and numerous stage productions.

	Denny Chou who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches piano and flute at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Denny moved to Auckland in 2009 and is currently studying towards her BMus majoring in Piano Performance. Denny achieved ATCL with distinction in piano and grade 7 in flute. In 2008 Denny was the Symphonic Band Leader at Tauranga Girls’ College.

	Dominic Blaazer who joined Lewis Eady in 2011, teaches guitar, ukulele, Musical Jam, Blast-off and keyboards at St Leo’s, Vauxhall, Takapuna, Newton Central, St Michaels Remuera and Ponsonby Primary Schools. Born and raised in Jamaica, he played the tuba through school in the UK then trained in London as a chef in the early ’80s. Believing that musicians were saner than chefs he ran away to start a band. Since arriving in Auckland in 1992, Dom has played live, toured and recorded with a wide selection of artists including The Chills, The Peter Stuyvesant Hitlist, John Rowles, Ray Columbus, Garageland, Jan Hellriegel, Goldenhorse, The Clean and SJD. He plays a wide range of instruments including the Theremin (the world’s only non-contact musical instrument) and currently plays for Don McGlashan, The Reputations soul revue and The Trains. His favourite instruments are his vintage Hammond organ, record player and pasta machine.

	Eunice Park who joined Lewis Eady in 2011, teaches cello and piano at Maungawhau Primary School. Old girl of Westlake High School, Eunice achieved her Bachelor of Music (Honours) in 2009 and is currently studying towards her Masters in Music (major in cello performance). Since 2005 Eunice has been teaching students from 5 to 18 years of age successfully preparing many for music examinations. When not playing music, Eunice is barista extraordinaire!

	Felipe Simonetto who joined Lewis Eady this year, teaches acoustic and electric guitar at Westmere and Bayfield Primary Schools, Pasadena Intermediate and at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Felipe completed two years of his Bachelor of Music degree at Fiamm-Faam University in Brazil, then achieved a certificate in SET UP (stage configuration, pedals, racks, amplifiers and others) and Diplomas in Structural Music Language and Performing Electric Guitars from The Music Institute Sao Paulo. Felipe began teaching guitar in 2002 and also brings extensive performance experience to our team.

	Flavio Villani who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches piano at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera).. Italian born and educated, Flavio holds a degree in piano from the G. Martucci Music Conservatory, Salerno, Italy. He moved to New Zealand in 2008 teaching piano and Orff groups at the Bay of Islands Academy of Music in Kerikeri. His 2009 performances included touring with Class Act Opera’s ‘Magic Flute’ and ‘Elixir of Love’ and 2^nd piano in Rossini’s ‘Petite Mass Solemnelle’ for two pianos, harmonium, choir and soloists with the Auckland Choral Society directed by Uwe Grodd. In 2011 Flavio was selected by Creative NZ to travel to the Venice Biennale where he performed on Michael Parakowhai's carved Steinway.

	Geordie Gardiner who joined Lewis Eady in 2007 teaches guitar and ukulele at Ponsonby, Parnell, Maungawhau and Richmond Road Schools and at Lewis Eady Rock School in the school holidays. Geordie records, produces and performs a wide range of music from reggae to jazz, blues, pop and hip hop! He has a Diploma in Contemporary Music Performance from MAINZ and loves to share his expertise in music technology.

	Greg Dallison who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches bass guitar, guitar and ukulele at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road Remuera). Having gained a merit pass in contemporary music from the Nelson School of Music, Greg then completed two years of teacher training. He missed the focus of music too much so in 2007 Greg returned to teaching guitar and bass at several Auckland schools.

	Jakub Roznawski who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches classical and contemporary guitar and ukulele at Bayfield, Remuera and Westmere Primary Schools. Jakub achieved his Master of Music majoring in Performance on Classical Guitar in 2008 having previously gained Bachelor of Music degrees in Classical Guitar at both Massey and Victoria Universities. Jakub taught guitar at a local Music School in Wellington and has just returned from Switzerland where he also enjoyed teaching and performing.

	James Lauder who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches guitar at Bayfield School on Saturdays. Currently studying towards his Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, James is an accomplished guitarist. He has been playing guitar for eleven years, has made several recordings and performed in various bands. James has been teaching guitar since 2007 and in his spare time plays many sports including rugby, snowboarding and waterpolo.

	Jonny Corker who joined Lewis Eady in 2007 teaches drum kit, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, rock band coaching at Balmoral, Pasadena and Pt Chevalier Schools, Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road Remuera) and Lewis Eady Rock School in the school holidays. Jonny has been involved in the New Zealand music industry for more than a decade and brings extensive band experience to our team having recorded and performed live with Duchess, The Sleeps, Radio glow and Rubicon, playing bass and vocals in the Gareth Thomas band and bass for Kirsten Morrel.

	Kieran Robinson who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches drum kit at Remuera Primary School. Kieran achieved his Bachelor of Music (performance) at the University of Canterbury, Diploma in Jazz at the Christchurch Jazz School, his Certificate in Contemporary Performance and Audio Engineering at Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka where he also received 'Best Drummer' and Most Original Composition' awards in 2003. Kieran has been teaching drum kit, music theory and ensemble playing since 2006.

	Liam Wooding who joined Lewis Eady this year teaches piano at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Head Boy of Wanganui High School in 2010, Liam was awarded a full scholarship by the University of Auckland to study music under Rae de Lisle. Liam achieved his ATCL in 2009 and has been playing piano for 12 years. He has performed in many solo and collaborative situations. Originally from Wanganui, he has had success in several local competitions, namely the Secondary Schools' Chamber Music contest which he won three times. Last year, Liam was the winner of the Auckland IRMT Schubert Scholarship.

	Meryl Main who joined Lewis Eady in 2009 teaches violin, ukulele and Musical Jam at Parnell, Ponsonby, and Pt Chevalier Primary Schools and Singing Rainbows (our pre-school music programme) . A grade 8 violinist, ukulele player and singer, Meryl even learned to ring the bells under Tower Captain Mike Stone and rang at St Matthew-in-the-City for a year! Besides being an accomplished musician, Meryl is also an actress and composer having worked on many films and television features – performing, composing and acting.

	Miho Wada who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches flute, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet , piano and recorder at Bayfield, Pt Chevalier, Remuera and Parnell Schools. Miho was born in Tokyo and grew up in Japan and Christchurch. At age 4 she started her musical training on piano then flute at the University of Canterbury and later at the Trinity College of Music, London. In 2009, Miho recorded with Iggy Pop, performed with Jarvis Cocker and toured around the world with Ska Cubano. After the world tour in 2009 Miho formed a 4 piece band based in Auckland, performing music she calls "Japanese Punk Jazz". Miho's music is unique in every way - a mixture of beautiful Japanese melodies, quirky bilingual punk songs in catchy J-Pop style, sunny Pacific beats, clever Jazz chords and Cuban flute solos.

	Nancy Williamson who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches guitar, bass guitar and ukulele at Maungawhau Primary Schoo and Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Nancy completed a Foundation Certificate in Jazz at Wellington's NZ School of Music in 2009 and established her own guitar studio in Wanaka in 2006. A trained PE and Science teacher, Nancy also has an extensive background in health and fitness having set up and run Mainly Women Health Club in Newmarket and Pakuranga from 1989 to 2004.

	Nicholas Sheppard who joined Lewis Eady in 2004 teaches guitar at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera) and Lewis Eady Rock School in the school holidays. He has presented many students through grade exams and has been involved with several bands. Nick is responsible for the instrumentation for the electronica/pop group Cinema 90 which released its debut album in 2010 through Monkey Records.

	Nick Williams who joined Lewis Eady in 2008 teaches drum kit, ukulele, guitar, bass guitar , keyboard and Rock Band at Ponsonby, Bayfield, Newton Central, Takapuna and St Josephs Primary Schools and at Lewis Eady Rock School in the school holidays. Nick holds a Diploma in Contemporary Music and Performance from MAINZ and a Diploma in Audio Engineering from the School of Audio Engineering, Parnell. In 2007 Nick was hired by dDub as a session drummer to play on their second album and his is the Musical Director of his own band – Tangent. In 2005 Nick composed music for the documentary about Maori women smoking called ‘Butt Why’ produced by Kiwa Films.

	Niki Poppelwell who joined Lewis Eady this year teaches saxophone, clarinet, flute, oboe, basson and recorder at Takapuna Primary School. Niki recently completed her Master of Music degree at Auckland University after studying for her Bachelor of Music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, UK. An experienced music teacher, Niki also tutors chamber groups and workshops. As a professional performer, Niki played with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra last year in addition to several other orchestras and ensembles.

	Pascal Roggen who joined Lewis Eady in 2011 teaches violin, electric violin, viola, cello and double bass at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road Remuera). After touring extensively world-wide as a session violinist and a collaborator based in London for the past decade, he has returned home to share his knowledge and passion with the next generation. Pascal has performed with diverse groups of artists from World Music [Ladino/Celtic/ Indian/African/Country/Gypsy/Cuban], to Jazz, Funk, Rock, Pop, Classical and performing house or 80’s music with DJs. As well as his solid footing musically [including a Masters degree in Jazz from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London] his exciting onstage presence has seen him tour the U.S, Europe, U.K., South East Asia, Russia and the Pacific Region. Recent performances have included Glastonbury Festival, UK with his group the "Secret Cinema Band", as well as headlining jazz festivals in St Petersburg, London and Auckland (NZ), with the "Shez Raja Collective". Pascal has also performed on National Television in France, New Zealand and worked as part of the backing band in "The X Factor" UK.

	Priscilla Scanlan who joined Lewis Eady this year teaches flute at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Priscilla gained her ATCL in 2008 and has been teaching flute since then. She graduated from the Unversity of Auckland in 2011 with a Bachelor of Music (major in performance flute) and is currently studying towards her BMus Honours (performance flute). Priscilla has been a member of the Auckland Wind Orchestra since 2007 and is currently the flute section leader - performing on first flute and piccolo. Priscilla regularly performs public solos through the University of Auckland and competes in national and international competitions.

	Richard Linklater who joined Lewis Eady in 2006 teaches drum kit and log drumming at Richmond Road Primary School and at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Richard has over 30 years experience drumming at a professional level in many different genres of music including jazz and world-fusion. Over the years, Richard has performed at many events including Sweetwaters, Womad, the Taupo Arts Festival and the Percussive Arts Festival at Victoria University.

	Sarah Lim who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches piano at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Currently studying towards her Bachelor of Music Piano Performance, Sarah achieved her Diploma in Solo Piano with Distinction and in 2008 was awarded 1^st place in 20^th century composer - open competition, and 2^nd place in Solo from memory – open competition in the Te Awamutu Piano Competition, the Susan Smith Cup for excellence in Music at Avondale College (for the 3^rd time) and the Romanza Cup for coming first in Romantic composer at the West Auckland Performing Arts Competition.

	Scott Thomas who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches saxophone and flute at Lewis Eady Music School (Great South Road, Remuera). Dux of Liston College in 2007, Scott is currently in his third and final year studying towards a Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland. He is a member of several bands including the University of Auckland Big Band (baritone saxophone and bass clarinet), University of Auckland Saxophone Ensemble (baritone saxophone and bass clarinet), Downbeat Big Band (tenor saxophone), Once Bitten, twice Shy Show Band (tenor saxophone and flute) and in 2009 he was part of the band for Manukau performing Arts Inc’s musical production of ‘Seussical the Musical’ (playing flute and tenor saxophone).

	Sung Jin Hong who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 teaches trumpet at Pt Chevalier and Bayfield Primary Schools. Currently studying towards his Bachelor of Music, Jazz Major at the University of Auckland, Sung Jin is not only a skilled trumpet player. He also plays flugel horn, double bass and bass guitar. Sung Jin has been the recipient of many music awards including two scholarships from the University of Auckland’s Academy of Music, the Senior Prize for graduating his BMus degree with top grades, and performs regularly at various Auckland venues.

	Virginia Papali’i-Curtin who joined Lewis Eady in 2008 teaches violin, piano, keyboard and Musical Jam at Parnell, Remuera and Westmere Primary Schools. Virginia holds a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in performance from the University of Auckland where her studies continue this year in honours violin performance. Classically trained in violin, Virginia has been performing in orchestras, chamber groups and string quartets from a young age. She attended Excel School of Performing Arts and was trained in on-stage performance singing in Pop, Rock, R&B and Gospel music. Virginia co-conducts a youth Gospel choir that has over 60 members at present and is part of a team that organises youth services and concerts around the North Island involving youth bands and drama groups.

	Cheryl Stonnell who joined Lewis Eady in 2006 as Music School Administrator is responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of lessons to almost 1200 Lewis Eady Music School students every week at our Music Centre and at our 20 partner Auckland schools. Cheryl is a passionate classical music fan and has been involved in contemporary dance all her life. After hours she teaches contemporary creative dance at her studio Mendl Dance Studios. Cheryl has three adult sons and a grand-daughter.

	Jill Mackenzie who joined Lewis Eady in 2010 provides administration support to the Music School. Jill's background is in administration and having had her own children enrolled in the Music School since 2005, she is very familiar with Lewis Eady. During this time her children have been involved not only in music lessons but also Rock School, Rock Band Coaching and various performance opportunities. Jill's enthusiastic approach and her own experience with the Music School give her the perfect background to understanding what Lewis Eady can offer other families. She has no hidden talents, but looks forward to discovering some when her children leave home and she has more time!

	Miranda Rocca who joined Lewis Eady in 2005 oversees the Lewis Eady Music School. Firmly committed to facilitating music-making by as many children (and adults!) as possible, Miranda is a trustee of the NZ Ukulele Trust, committee member of Orff New Zealand Aotearoa, Administrator of the Auckland Youth Choir and coach of the Marimba Orchestra at Ponsonby Primary School. Miranda plays piano and her four children play a range of instruments between them - piano, double bass, guitar, french horn, flute, bass guitar, recorder and ukulele. All are students of the Lewis Eady Music School.