Itinerant Music Lessons

By Christine Gillard | Posted: Thursday February 22, 2018

At Casebrook we take pride in the variety of musical instruments our students are able to learn. We have a number of well qualified, excellent teachers. The students who take part in this programme tell us how much they enjoy it. These can be learned in small group sessions or private individual lessons.

To enrol in music lessons please click on the following link. https://goo.gl/forms/u3GruplytXxP6zdJ2 if you would like to enrol your child for itinerant music lessons. Group lessons work on a formula of six students per hour with students grouped according to their ability. The fee for group lessons is $220 for the year. Group lessons are a good way of finding out if you enjoy learning the instrument you choose. Music lessons must be paid before tuition. If you have also hired the instrument this can be paid off weekly. If you have any concerns about payment please feel free to email the office. Email address: office@casebrook.school.nz  - Tutors will contact you by email. 

Casebrook has very talented, experienced tutors:

Violin tuition - Ian Bolton, Dip. Mus.

Ian plays with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and teaches in many schools. He is originally from Sydney where he was for eight years a member of the Opera Australia Orchestra. He has also had periods of freelancing and further study in Sydney and Cologne, Germany. He actually plays the viola (which is slightly bigger and deeper than a violin), but mainly teaches violin.

After a few months of tuition with Ian (and some good practice!) you will be able to play some simple but satisfying pieces in different styles including classical, celtic and fiddle. You will need to purchase a tutor book, which costs about $25.00. Previous musical experience is helpful but not essential. 

Percussion tuition - Aidan Stewart 

Aidan Stewart is the itinerant drum tutor at Casebrook Intermediate. In beginner lessons he teaches proper technique, basic rock beats from the Drumsense book and how to play along to music.  A percussion group is also offered for those interested in playing together and expanding their knowledge.  Aidan is an experienced Christchurch drum tutor who has been teaching professionally for 6 years and has a degree in Bachelor of Music Arts from the Ara Institute of Canterbury.  He has a Grade 8 Distinction from Trinity College London and has played in numerous bands with styles ranging from brass band, jazz, latin, funk and rock. This year he is teaching full time both in schools and privately.

Guitar tuition - Steve Fowler

Guitar Lessons - Guitar & Bass lessons in 2018 will be taken by tutor Steve Fowler. Steve has over 15 years experience and can teach a wide array of styles.  As well as group lessons students can also choose to do private one on one lessons. The cost for these lessons is $35 incl GST per half hour session. For private lesson enquiries contact Steve at clevetownstudios@gmail.com  Steve also tutors the school rock bands and all students have the chance to audition for this.

Piano/Keyboard tuition - Sarena Close

My name is Sarena Close. I’m 22 and have been heavily involved in the Christchurch music scene for five years. I am currently teaching and gigging full time and have been since I completed three years at the Christchurch Jazz School.

My experience includes teaching at Primary and Intermediate schools around Canterbury and also regularly performing live around Christchurch as a solo artist to a full eight piece band. I am available for piano lessons at Casebrook to learn how to play Piano or keyboard not only as a soloist but to understand how the roll a pianist/keyboardists plays in the bigger picture of a live band or on a recorded track.  I am passionate about music and I love to teach so I can pass on what I have learnt so far and inspire others to go further.

Brass - Greg Knowles

Hey, my name is Greg; I'm a gigging trumpet player/vocalist performing and entertaining in multiple musical combos for private and public venues and special events. I've been teaching brass in Christchurch for some years, offering private lessons and as an itinerant teacher in schools. Playing music is a privilege and a pleasure I value highly and I'm happy to share with students the musical skills that I'm sure will bring them enjoyment and satisfaction. 

Janet Simon ~ ATCL, LTCL

I am a teacher of flute, piccolo, recorder, music theory and a conductor of orchestras and ensemble groups. I have been teaching for over 30 years.

I teach at many schools in Christchurch, SDMS (Shirley District Music School), Harewood Primary, Isleworth Primary, Chisnallwood Intermediate, Breens Intermediate, Casebrook Intermediate, St Michael’s Church School, Papanui High and Christchurch Girls High. I am also a flute and piccolo teacher, conductor and HOD of the woodwind department of CSM (Christchurch School of Music). I also teach privately at home 4 nights a week.

I enjoy playing my instruments and am a member of Serendipity Flutes.

I am married and have 3 adult children and enjoy reading, crosswords, cooking, walking and spending time with family and friends.