Rotorua Music School provide lessons for a wide range of instruments.
Music classes are held after school, Tuesday-Thursday, in 30 minute sessions. For class timetables please see our Calendar Schedule.
You can now enrol your child for lessons with Rotorua Music School online, just fill out an enrolment application on our Forms page.
Please feel free to contact us for more information about any of our classes or tutors.
Guitar Tutor:
Trojan-John
Kia ora. My name is Trojan-John and I am an avid guitarist/musician and songwriter.
I spent ten years playing in Perth, Western Australia with 4 of those years as a full time professional musician. I also have a background in music retail which has given me an insight into the science and maintenance of the guitar.
I believe the secret to music is to learn how to enjoy and love it.
My perspective of teaching music is to keep it fun and light.
The guitar has been my best friend for the pass decade and a half of learning the art.
I hope to pass the same passion and vigor onto the students I have the privilege of sharing with.
See you in the jam room.
Ukulele Tutor:
Karim Efremov
Kia ora, my name is Karim Efremov. I am Rotorua Music School's tutor for ukulele and bass, but will also be teaching some guitar and keyboard. I can play: electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, contrabass, harmonica, keyboard and piano, ukulele, mandolin-banjo, drums, baritone saxophone, percussion section in Orchestra, slide-whistle and violin.
Although I will be going to Victoria University in a couple of years, you'll be surprised with what I'll be able to teach you in that time and where you'll get - but it will only come with practice. Practice, practice, practice!
While living in Auckland, I was involved with circus arts, which gave me a lot of experience working with a diversity of people, including different cultures, ages, abilities and genders - which I absolutely loved! It has built up my confidence in teaching and learning which I am looking forward to sharing with you.
After hard work you'll be pleased with results and will be awarded and satisfied even from your own perspective!
Recorder Tutor:
Sam Raney
I started my musical journey very young, as many do, playing recorder - progressing into clarinet then saxophone.
I was heavily involved with various bands and groups run through Avondale College in Auckland, including the Jazz band, Big Band and Funk Band that we toured and competed in competitions with.
I graduated from the Jazz Music Program at Auckland University with a Degree in Performing Arts Jazz.
After several years teaching around various schools in Auckland, I’m now in Rotorua and back into teaching and doing something I really enjoy.
Looking forward to sharing my passion for music with others!
Keyboard Tutor:
Katherine Walker
Hi my name is Katherine Walker, I play the piano and have achieved grade 5 trinity college piano exams. I really enjoy tutoring and interacting with kids and whanau and have a passion for music and teaching. I look forward to meeting you!
Violin Tutor:
Hector Fitzsimons
Hector first started playing music at the age of seven when he started learning piano under the tutelage of Adele Dickinson in his hometown of Tauranga. However, it wasn’t until much later at the age of 15 that he started to take an interest in the viola and began lessons with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s principal violist, Rob Ashworth.
Hector went on to gain an APO youth scholarship the following year, as well as sitting a grade seven trinity exam and got accepted into the New Zealand secondary school’s symphony orchestra (NZSSSO). He also managed in that same year to obtain discretionary university entry to the University of Waikato, with 2015 marking his final year at Bethlehem College as a year 12.
At the University of Waikato Hector began to study viola under the tutelage of Lara and Amalia Hall. Over his time at University, he has played in many public concerts around Hamilton, including Opus Orchestra, and obtained membership in the golden key international society.
In 2018, he had one of his chamber groups nominated for a Waikato University Blues Award and toured China as a part of the New Zealand Chamber Orchestra, playing seven concerts in Qingdao and Tianjin.
Having graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 2018, and a Bachelor of Music with Honours degree with first class honours in 2020, Hector hopes to further his studies and always wants to be learning and improving his musical abilities.
Cello Tutor:
Kate Bennett
I love teaching both cello and keyboard from the Suzuki books as I think this is a very effective way to get children (and adults) quickly reading music. I may be a little "old school" in that I like to teach good posture, clean hands when playing instruments, and learning keyboard note names without writing them on the keys. Above all, I want my students to love playing, enjoy lessons, and hopefully to practise. I love teaching piano/keys but the instrument of my heart is cello. I discovered this amazing instrument later in life, proof that its never too late to start learning an instrument.
Goal being; by the end of a couple of terms, students are able to give small performances without getting too nervous. Students who only play at class with have fun and make some progress. Children who practise at home between classes will make steady progress and will soon experience the great feeling of looking back and seeing how far they have come. Occasionally children are self motivated, but in most cases parents support is needed with practise. My main goal is to motivate students to WANT to practise.
It is never too late to start learning an instrument, and Rotorua Music School is a fantastic way to make this dream come true, and such affordable fees!
Clarinet Tutor:
Anouk Armingeat
Hi my name is Anouk, I am the clarinet tutor at the Rotorua Music School. I have been playing for 7 years and teaching for 2. I can't wait to share my love of music with you. So come learn clarinet with me at Rotorua Music School!
Saxophone Tutor:
Sam Raney
I started my musical journey very young, as many do, playing recorder - progressing into clarinet then saxophone.
I was heavily involved with various bands and groups run through Avondale College in Auckland, including the Jazz band, Big Band and Funk Band that we toured and competed in competitions with.
I graduated from the Jazz Music Program at Auckland University with a Degree in Performing Arts Jazz.
After several years teaching around various schools in Auckland, I’m now in Rotorua and back into teaching and doing something I really enjoy.
Looking forward to sharing my passion for music with others!
Drums Tutor:
Oscar Rolston-Dowd
Hi, I'm Oscar. I am the drum tutor at RMS. I have been playing drums for 12 years since age 15. I am currently studying for a diploma in music at Toi Ohomai.
I'm excited to share my love for music and help raise new drummers in the community!
Flute Tutor:
To be advised
Vocal Tutor:
Rietta Austin
London vocal coach for X-Factor, Britain's Got Talent contestants and Universal Records, Rietta has performed for BBC's "Strictly Come Dancing", on the West End and in a worldwide TV documentary about Freddie Mercury.
Rietta opened in the O2 Arena in London, sung at Glastonbury Festival and recorded on albums in NZ, USA, UM, Germany & Australia with Gladys Knight,Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Earth Wind & Fire and on "Cats & Dogs 2" feature film for Warner Bros.
Artists worked with include Bonnie Tyler, Elizabeth McGovern (Downtown Abbey), Joe Cocker, Jocelyn Brown, Dame Shirley Bassey, INXS, Johhny Gill, Falco & many more . . .
Jump Tutor:
Glenys Courtney-Strachan.
Marimba Tutor:
To be advised