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Piano

Anita Schwabe
Irene Lau

Anita Schwabe

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.

I am a Jazz Pianist and Composer and have 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). I am also a music tutor at the NZ High School Jazz Workshop, Scots College, Wellington High School, St. Catherines College, Wainuiomata High School and Music Academy, and have taught privately for the last twenty years.

I attained Diploma in Music from Wellington Conservatorium of Music in 1988, completed Bachelor of Music in Jazz in 2001 with Massey University, and gained 1st Class Honours with the New Zealand School of Music in 2008.

I 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). I have also performed and lived in Australia.

Schedule

During School Hours: Tuesday and Friday

Irene Lau

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