MEET our MUSIC SCHOOL tutors & SUPPORT TEAM
Lewis Eady Music School tutors are motivated, committed, musically qualified and love sharing their knowledge - they are musicians teaching music! Together with our efficient support team, you can be sure you will be welcomed and looked after.
Enrol now to start your musical journey with Lewis Eady Music School.
Adam Thorndyke joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2018 and teaches guitar, ukulele, and bass guitar. Passionate about his music and teaching, Adam holds a Grade 8 Electric Guitar qualification from the Trinity College of London, completed his first year of his Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree at MAINZ in Auckland, and is now pursuing a degree in music production at SAE. Adam writes, composes and mixes his own music as well as producing music for other artists. Adam has played in his own band as lead singer and guitarist, has played in many other bands and also enjoys band mentoring. He has written and produced music in House, Hip Hop, Dance, Jazz and Blues genres and his original songs can be found on Spotify.
Alexander Botha joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021 and teaches piano and keyboard. Alexander started learning the piano from age 12, completed his ABRSM Grade 8 in piano in 2019, and is now studying classical piano performance at the University of Auckland. Alexander has played keyboard in musicals for private theatre companies and at Selwyn College. Alexander also plays the trombone and was a member of the Auckland Youth Orchestra in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, he played at the Berlin Konzerthaus in Germany, representing New Zealand at the Young Euro Classic Festival. Alexander loves to see students develop their musical skills and grow to enjoy playing the piano as much as he does.
Anne Kennedy joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021 and teaches piano. Anne has a Bachelor of Music from Victoria University of Wellington and ATCL in Piano Teaching. Over the years, Anne has taught piano, music theory, and creative writing in a wide range of settings, from community groups to university. She is also an author of fiction and poetry, and some of her books concern music. Anne’s philosophy is that music is a core skill and every person deserves the opportunity to learn to play an instrument.
Edward Zhang joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2023 and teaches violin, viola, piano/keyboard, guitar, and ukulele. Edward started his music journey at the age of 6. Music has always been a part of his life and follows him wherever he goes.
Edward graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Music in classical violin performance. During his time at university, he developed a passion for music education and sharing his love for music with others. He is always looking for innovative methods to apply to his lessons and strongly believes everyone can learn music. Edward also writes and produces music regularly and draws from his experience with a wide range of instruments, music styles, and genres. Edward believes music is one of the best forms of self-expression and encourages students to explore and discover their musical style.
Ellen Jeong joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2022 and teaches piano and keyboard. Ellen is passionate about teaching and performing music. She completed her classical piano performance degree at the Essen Folkwang Music University in Germany. During that time, Ellen participated in many masterclasses with professors from Germany and the Netherlands and performed as a soloist and a piano accompanist, supporting instrumentalists and singers. Ellen has experience teaching all ages, musical levels, and genres (from baroque to contemporary music) and successfully preparing students for examinations and performances.
Florence Lai teaches piano at our sister school, Chiron Music Academy, and provides relief teaching for Lewis Eady Music School.
From an early age, Florence discovered a passion and joy for playing the piano. She feels immensely privileged to have the opportunity to share her musical skills and passion with students of all ages and walks of life. Florence holds a Bachelor of Music in classical piano performance from the University of Auckland and her LTCL from the Trinity College of London. Many of her recent student successes include winners of regional piano competitions and gaining overall top marks in ABRSM exams.
Gabbi Jones joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches piano/keyboard, as well as relief teaching for guitar and singing. Gabbi started learning the keyboard at age 6, developing a lifelong passion. During high school, they accompanied many ARIAs competition entrants through 2013 – 2016 in Rotorua, as well as working as a piano entertainer across various venues. Gabbi developed an understanding of learning music by ear and has primarily used and taught this method for teaching music, along with music theory and digital music production. Gabbi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre – another lifelong passion – with a minor in English Literature from Victoria University of Wellington. As well as teaching music, Gabbi has worked in soundtrack composition and musical direction for theatre shows.
George Manning joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2023 and is a relief tutor for piano/keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, singing, and trombone. Having completed his Bachelor of Popular Music at The University of Auckland, George has filled many shoes as a session musician, writer, recording artist and performer. Starting piano and guitar before leaving primary school, he has used his musical knowledge and skill in various competitions, concerts and tours around the country. George made his performing debut overseas, completing a makeshift tour of small English venues and finding his rhythm there. After returning to New Zealand, he started his degree and quickly began performing and collaborating with other up-and-coming artists. George has currently released two singles and is working on releasing more.
Gideon Voon joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2023 and teaches guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele. Gideon's first experience with the guitar was at age 7, but his passion for music ignited around the age of 14 through the discovery of rock music and the electric guitar. After high school, Gideon attended MAINZ and gained his Diploma in Contemporary Music Performance and Bachelor of Musical Arts. While at MAINZ, Gideon met singer Filivaa who asked him to audition for the band Shepherds Reign after witnessing one of Gideon's performances. Since then, Shepherds Reign has toured all over Australia, garnered over 3 million YouTube views for their 2019 hit single 'Le Manu', and won three awards at the Pacific Music Awards, the most recent being the 2022 Creative NZ Award. Some of Gideon's favourite guitarists include Mateus Aasto, Guthrie Govan, and Joe Satriani.
Greg Dallison joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2011 and teaches guitar and ukulele. Greg studied at the Nelson School of Music where he gained a Merit pass in Contemporary Music and went on to study at Teachers College. Greg has been teaching full time in Auckland for 15+ years and is passionate about teaching beginner students. “I love being able to see students enjoying playing music, getting progressively better and becoming capable musicians”.
Gulnara Mukhametzhanova-Ah Koy joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021 and teaches piano and keyboard. Gulnara began her career in 1998 as a piano teacher and accompanist at her alma mater, Almaty State Conservatory in Kazakhstan, and taught piano at the Astana National Academy of Music. In 2005, Gulnara moved to Fiji, where she was the accredited piano tutor for the International School Suva and operated her private piano studio. She has recently completed further postgraduate studies at the University of Auckland School of Music. Gulnara is a mum to four boys and enjoys teaching and performing piano at recitals.
Irena Angelovska joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021 and teaches piano, keyboard, and music theory. Irena has 10+ years of music teaching experience across primary, secondary, tertiary, and community settings in Macedonia and New Zealand. She has also performed extensively as a chorister, pianist and conductor across Europe and New Zealand. Irena is currently pursuing her doctoral studies at The University of Auckland, researching cultural diversity in/through music education and its impact on music teachers' teaching philosophy and the organisation of music programmes in primary schools.
Isabel Lu joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches piano/keyboard and violin. Isabel has always had a passion for music since she started learning the piano at age 6. Isabel holds an LTCL diploma in piano and an ATCL diploma in violin. She also enjoys participating in orchestras and chamber groups. Originally from Palmerston North, Isabel is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Auckland. Isabel hopes to share her love and knowledge of music with her students and help them reach their musical goals.
Jagwinder ‘Jag’ Singh joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches guitar, including electric and bass. A seasoned guitarist with over 18 years of mastery, Jag boasts an impressive musical journey that includes sharing stages with acclaimed international metal bands. As a skilled audio engineer, he has not only self-produced his bands but also navigated the global music scene, releasing his work through diverse labels. Jag's dynamic presence has fuelled the sonic landscapes of multiple bands, carving a niche in the metal realm. With a fusion of technical prowess and professional engineering acumen, he has cultivated a distinctive progressive style. Beyond the stage, Jag continues to shape the auditory landscape, embodying the essence of a multifaceted musician and dedicated audio craftsman, consistently pushing the boundaries of his creative expression.
Jessie Wu joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches piano and music theory. Jessie has been playing the piano since she was 6 years old and completed her ABRSM Grade 8 in Piano with Distinction in 2022. She also has played the double bass in the Auckland Youth Orchestra for a number of years. With experience in teaching music theory and tutoring in schools, Jessie is passionate about helping students discover their unique musical style and nurturing their interest in music.
Kevin Cluzeau joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 as a relief tutor for drums, guitar, keyboard, and singing. Originally from New Caledonia, Kevin has been a music aficionado since 2006. As a multi-instrumentalist, he has been involved in different bands and musical projects in New Caledonia, France, and New Zealand. With over ten years of teaching experience, he is looking forward to sharing his passion for music with his students.
Dr Kevin Mendousse joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2019 and teaches guitar. Originally from France, Kevin relocated to Auckland 23+ years ago and holds – all three with Distinction – a Music Diploma in classical guitar performance (Trinity) and two MA & PhD postgraduate degrees in sound perception (Sorbonne). A caring, professionally registered teacher of both classical guitar and music theory, Kevin takes great joy in sharing his passion for fingerstyle guitar – from Bach to Beck through Beethoven, Barrios, and the Beatles – and helping students hone their playing skills, for, ‘without music life would be a mistake!” (Nietzsche)
Leon Reynolds joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 as a relief tutor for flute and keyboard. Leon holds a master’s degree specialising in flute performance and research, and has worked with groups including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, NZ Opera, Royal New Zealand Ballet, and the Royal New Zealand Navy Band. A passionate educator, Leon works with the APO Connecting and Partnership in Schools programmes, teaches itinerant music at Murrays Bay Intermediate School, and directs the Epsom Girls’ Grammar Senior Concert Band. He also loves getting involved in musical theatre and has worked as music director and conductor for the Centrestage Theatre productions of The Wizard of Oz, Legally Blonde: The Musical, and Hello, Dolly!
Liam Coughlan joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches drums and bass guitar, and relief teaches guitar. Liam had an interest in music from a very early age and started learning both the drums and the bass guitar at school; he has considered them lifelong passions ever since. Liam was in various bands at school, from jazz to classical to a Queen tribute band, and some of these bands competed and won at the KBB Music Festival. He also attended Rodger Fox’s Jazz Workshop at Victoria University. Liam is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music in jazz at the University of Auckland. Liam is keen to inspire a new generation of musicians.
Luca García Ferrari joined Lewis Eady in 2023 and teaches guitar, electric guitar, and bass guitar which is his primary instrument. With a bachelor's degree in jazz bass performance from the University of Auckland, Luca is making a name for himself in the Auckland music scene, often seen playing with many different artists in the studio and on stage and composing music and bandleading for his projects. He also has a passion for event organisation, and his efforts were recognised in 2021 when he received the APRA AMCOS Auckland City of Music Young Gigmaker's Grant. With a varied set of experiences in multiple genres, including jazz, pop, and rock, Luca is excited to share his knowledge and inspiration with students.
Mia Aitchison joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches guitar, bass guitar, singing, and songwriting, as well as relief teaching for keyboard. Originally from Wellington, Mia moved to Auckland to complete her Bachelor of Music, specialising in Popular Music. Her musical journey began with singing at an early age, and at 9 years of age, she started learning the guitar. With a passion for songwriting and performance, Mia has become increasingly active in Auckland's vibrant music scene, playing the bass guitar and singing backing vocals for various bands and artists. Currently, Mia is pursuing her solo music endeavours and recording her debut EP.
Enthusiastic about learning, Mia is excited to help guide her students on their musical journeys.
Natalie Hutton joined Lewis Eady in 2023 and teaches guitar, singing, and songwriting. Originally from Christchurch, Nat started learning the guitar at the age of eight and have been in love with the instrument ever since. Shortly after learning the guitar, Nat began songwriting and singing, which has now become her career; she is one of the singers and guitarists from the indie pop band 'There's A Tuesday', who won the 2019 Smokefree Rockquest. In 2022, they signed to BENNE's record label, 'Olive Records' and since have released music and toured around New Zealand and Australia, playing multiple headline tours and have even gone on tour with some of their favourite artists, including Conan Grey, Julia Jacklin, The Beths, and Spacey Jane. Nat's composition, "Girl at Night", was named a Top 5 Finalist in the 2022 APRA Silver Scroll Awards, a huge personal achievement for Nat which emphasised her love for songwriting.
Nita Zou originally joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021. Nita re-joined the teaching team in 2023 to teach piano, keyboard, and Musical Jam. After completing her Bachelor's degree in China, Nita moved to New Zealand in 2019 to complete her Postgraduate Diploma in music education at The University of Auckland. Nita is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Nonoka Ohta joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches piano. Born and raised in Japan, Nonoka moved to New Zealand in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland. Music has been a constant presence in Nonoka's life since she first started playing the piano as a child. In addition to the piano, she also took up the euphonium and trombone at primary school, participating in various concert bands and jazz bands both in Japan and Auckland throughout high school. Since commencing her piano studies at university, Nonoka has successfully competed in numerous competitions, including winning the Schubert Class in the 2023 IRMTNZ Competition.
Nonoka is passionate about all things piano and looks forward to seeing her new students!
Richard Linklater joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2006 and teaches drum kit. 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.
Robert Li joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches piano. Robert started learning piano at the age of five and have enjoyed music all his life. Classically trained, Robert has a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree from the University of Auckland and a Trinity LTCL Diploma. Over the years, Robert has participated in various music activities as a soloist, in chamber ensembles, and as an accompanist with choir groups around Auckland.
“Music is the universal language of our world, and it brings me joy to share my musical knowledge and experience with my students.”
Robin Baek joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2023 and teaches guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele, and relief teaches piano/keyboard. Robin has been a member of the Auckland live music scene since his early teens and is known for his versatility, performing with various jazz, rock, pop and experimental music groups. Notable achievements include winning the Ken Mitchell Trophy for Best Original Composition and the SOUNZ Trophy for Best Performance of a NZ Composition at the 2017 National Youth Jazz Competition. He is completing his Bachelor of Music at The University of Auckland, majoring in Jazz Performance. Robin is passionate about sharing his musical knowledge with students of all levels.
Sarah Christie joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021 and teaches singing, piano, keyboard, and Musical Jam. Born into a musical family in South Africa, Sarah knew from a young age that being a musician was the only job she'd ever want and wasted no time in getting started! Sarah began to develop her passion for all kinds of music and performance from the age of four and participated in years of vocal competitions, recording children's albums and musical theatre performances. As an adult, she went on to study at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) and is currently completing a musical arts degree with the focus being on vocal performance and piano. Since then, Sarah has discovered a love for teaching and sharing her passion for the healing quality of music.
Scott Thomas joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2010 and teaches the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Scott completed a Bachelor of Music majoring in jazz saxophone in 2011 and has since been a regular performer around Auckland and New Zealand in bands (House of Shem, Fortress Europe, Queen City Big Band and more) and as a theatre musician (including Auckland Theatre Company's "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Guys and Dolls", "Amadeus" and Silo Theatre's "Peter and the Wolf"). He spent a year in Europe, working as a full-time touring musician with German band, ‘Smalltape’, and US/German band, ‘Alex's Hand’. Scott also teaches the guitar, ukulele and brass at his studio.
Tianling Lu joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021 and teaches violin and music theory. Ever since she picked up the violin at the age of seven, music has been a major part of Tianling's life. She enjoys playing in orchestras and holds an Associate of Trinity College London Diploma in Violin Performance.
Tianling loves that, through music, she can help students connect, enrich lives, and have fun!
Tom Ragg joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2023 and teaches guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele. Tom's work as a bandleader and producer also makes him an adept tutor for instruments other than guitar, and can work with students of drums, bass, keyboards, and brass on classic work arrangements and styles.
Tom is an experienced guitar teacher, workshop facilitator and music arranger with a specialist interest in blues music, Caribbean music, and early rock & roll. He’s an expert in vintage electric guitar technique, slide guitar, classic rhythm guitar and improvisation. Tom has worked widely internationally as a performer and extensively in New Zealand as a music journalist, festival curator, and record producer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland.
Wellington de Jesus Silva joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2024 and teaches violin, guitar (including electric), and bass guitar. Wellington obtained his bachelor’s degree in violin and education at Universidade Valle do Rio Verde in Brazil. He has over 12 years of experience teaching individuals and ensembles, as well as music theory and preparing students for performances and exams. Besides classical music, Wellington also offers expertise in areas such as improvisation, jazz, Latin jazz, samba, choro, and more. His enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a love for music in students of all ages have made him a sought-after teacher and performer.
Xavier Mañetto joined Lewis Eady Music School in 2021 and teaches piano and keyboard. He completed ABRSM Grade 8 in piano and is now studying classical piano performance at the University of Auckland. In 2018, Xavier was accepted into the Teach First NZ Masters of Teaching and Education Leadership programme and taught senior calculus (in both classroom and one-on-one tuition settings) and facilitated musical performances at Edgewater College until 2020. Xavier seeks to meld his long-standing passion for musical study with his career.
INTRODUCING OUR MUSIC SCHOOL SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS…
GEMMA LEE
| MUSIC SCHOOL MANAGER |
Gemma is responsible for the Music School which currently delivers music lessons to up to 1000 students weekly at up to 30 partner primary, intermediate and secondary schools in Auckland and Wellington, and at our Music Studios in Epsom. A classically trained pianist, Gemma has been involved in education projects with New Zealand's leading performing arts organisations, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Chamber Music New Zealand, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Gemma is a firm believer in the power of music education for all-round development.
CHERYL STONNELL
| MUSIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR |
Cheryl joined Lewis Eady in 2006. As Music School Administrator, she is responsible for ensuring the smooth delivery of lessons to up to 1000 students every week at our Music Studios and our partner schools in Auckland and Wellington.
A passionate classical music fan, Cheryl has been involved in contemporary dance all her life. She taught contemporary creative dance at her studio, Mendl Dance Studios.
Cheryl has three adult sons.
GILLIAN MCNICOL
| ADMINISTRAtion ASSISTANT |
Gillian joined the Lewis Eady team in 2020. She comes from a family with a strong interest in a wide range of music. Both her adult daughters are past students of Lewis Eady, with the eldest studying trombone at Victoria University.
Gillian has an extensive background in administration, sales and design. When not in the office, you are likely to find her in the garden, up a ladder or behind the sewing machine.
GEORGINA CHASE
| ADMINISTRAtion ASSISTANT |
Georgina has recently joined the Lewis Eady team on a part-time basis. She has diverse administration experience gained whilst living in London and previously trained and worked as an environmental geologist.
When not in the office, Georgina is kept busy by her toddler, her preschooler, and DIY home renovation projects.
