Piano
Anita Schwabe
Tutor: Anita Schwabe
B.Mus.Hns (Jazz Piano)
I am a member of the Rodger Fox Wellington Jazz Orchestra and have performed with many overseas musicians and recorded and performed with many well-known New Zealand Musicians at Jazz festivals throughout NZ, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu.
I teach beginner students, jazz/blues styles, and popular styles, and encourage improvisation and creativity with my students. Trinity or Royal School exam preparation optional.
Jazz Pianist and Composer who has been a part-time lecturer since 1995 at the New Zealand School of Music Jazz Department (formerly known as Massey University Conservatorium of Music, Wellington Polytechnic). Music tutor at the NZ High School Jazz Workshop, Scots College, Wellington High School, St. Catherines College, Wainuiomata High School and Music Academy, and has taught privately for the last twenty years.
Attained Diploma in Music from Wellington Conservatorium of Music in 1988, completed Bachelor of music in Jazz in 2001 with Massey University. Gained 1st Class Honours with the New Zealand School of Music 2008.
Studied jazz overseas at Berklee College of Music (Boston, USA), Koninklijk Conservatorium of Music (Den Haag, Netherlands), and Banff Centre for the Arts (Banff, Canada). Have also performed and lived in Australia.
Schedule
During School Hours: Tuesday and Friday
Irene Lau
Tutor: Irene Lau
ARA.M; LRAM; LRSM; FTCL
Irene Lau was born in Wellington. She began lessons in Wellington and furthered her studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London. Upon graduating, she became a lecturer at the Coventry School of Music.
She is a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians (UK) and the Institute of Registered Music Teachers (NZ).
As a student, she gained numerous piano awards, and in 2001, Irene was elected as an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music (London). This award honours past students for achieving distinction in their profession.
On her return to New Zealand, she became an itinerant specialist teacher at several Wellington colleges, teaching piano, coaching Chamber Music Competitions, accompanying, and helping examine NCEA performances. Irene Lau’s students have gained many music awards and prizes. She puts her students for ABRSM: Trinity and St Cecilia Exams.
She enjoys teaching children and derives much pleasure from working with young people.
Schedule
During School Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday
Lola Austin
Tutor: Lola Austin
L.R.S.M. (Perf & Tchg.)
New Zealand's first classical LP was recorded by 25-year-old Lola Austin in 1958.
From the moment Austin first set eyes on a piano at five years old, she revered it, and would not even touch the keys until she had had lessons. “It wasn't that my parents prevented me. It was just something inside of myself. It said, it seemed to say, ‘when I touch a piano, I want to be able to play.'”
She did, touring New Zealand and the United States, practising up to seven hours a day.
Schedule
During school hours: Tuesday and Thursday