Kia ora
I am a pianist, music teacher, composer and arranger currently living in Auckland, New Zealand. I am a classically-trained pianist with a passion for expressing my creativity through jazz improvisation. I compose and arrange for a variety of ensembles and have a special interest in writing for jazz orchestra. I perform regularly as both a soloist and as a member of a variety of ensembles around New Zealand.
Performance and composition achievements
I am one of Auckland's most in-demand jazz pianists and am known locally for my unique improvisational style and creative compositional approach. I hold a Bachelor of Music with First-Class Honours and an ATCL Diploma in Classical Piano Performance with Distinction. My diverse range of musical skills was recognised by the University of Auckland with multiple awards and scholarships, such as the University of Auckland Senior Scholar Award, the University of Auckland Postgraduate Scholarship, the Anne Bellam Scholarship, and a Summer Research Scholarship. My compositions and arrangements have been performed by a variety of ensembles, including the Auckland Jazz Orchestra and Queen City Big Band, and I am always writing new material for a variety of ensembles.
Teaching experience and qualifications
I have completed training with the New Zealand Suzuki Institute to become a fully qualified Suzuki Piano Teacher, and I have run a successful Suzuki piano studio for over ten years. Recently, my pedagogical research has focused on technique and injury prevention. My passion for teaching was recognised by the University of Auckland when I was selected as a support teacher for the Jazz Academy in 2019 and offered a Graduate Teaching Assistant position in 2020. I am currently an Artist Teacher for the Jazz Department at the University of Auckland. I also teach in several of Auckland's top secondary schools and have experience running specialist Music and Movement classes for preschool children.