Itinerant Music Teacher Bios
Annabelle Laing
Annabelle’s performance career spans 50 years playing in ensembles and other projects, including two decades in the Nelson Symphony Orchestra.
In her role as an educator she shares her passion for all things musical. She runs early-childhood foundational music classes, coaches secondary school chamber groups and teaches performance flute, piano and recorder to students of all ages.
Her philosophy is one of nurturing musicianship in every student.
Simon Williams
Simon’s musical path began at the age of nine at the Nelson School of Music (NCMA). After serving with the Central Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Simon earnt a Diploma in Jazz Studies from Christchurch CTIP.
His performance experience spans diverse genres, from playing classical clarinet with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra to leading jazz ensembles such as “The Nelson Jazz Quartet” and playing as part of the electronic dance band "Rabbit Hole".
Simon teaches woodwind and guitar across primary, intermediate, and secondary schools in the Nelson/Tasman area, as well as privately at the NCMA, while also working as a musician and musical director. Committed to fostering a love of music, Simon emphasizes strong technical foundations, goal-oriented lessons, and musical expression in his teaching.
Grace Lee
Grace is an experienced music teacher with 20 years of expertise in providing music lessons to individuals of all ages, from children to adults. She has taught in various school settings and offered private lessons, focusing on instrumentation and general music theory.
Since 2020, Grace has been teaching violin in New Zealand. In March 2021, she completed a course at the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand.
Starting in February 2021, she has been teaching violin students at Nayland College and at the Nayland College Schools of Music.
Kay Mackenzie
Born in Scotland, Kay’s early music experiences recall time spent at the West Lothian Schools’ Brass Band and the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland.
Kay emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 and is one of the leading cornet players of our time, having won the ‘Champion of Champions’ national soloist tile in 2024.
Music is a passion and profession for Kay. She is the head of music at Nayland College and runs the NCSM programme to encourage local primary students to begin their musical journeys. She is proud of the arts community within Neirana and enjoys a bustling schedule, also playing with the local brass band and orchestra.
Zoë Dee
Zoë was born in the UK and studied Music and Singing, gaining a BA Honours Music Major degree. After graduating she went on a National UK Tour with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company and sang with the Carl Rosa Opera Company, British Youth Opera, The Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company and Opera Holland Park.
Vocal styles that Zoë tutors include musical theatre, classical and contemporary styles. Her aim is always to tailor lessons to students’ strengths in a fun, non-judgemental environment.
Teaching choirs is Zoë’s passion and at Neirana she directs both Sotto Voce (Girls choir) and NayCol Chorale (an SATB mixed choir).
Alan Burden
Alan's teaching style emphasizes getting students working on things they enjoy and identifying what goals they have. He combines building a foundation of technique with teaching students how to play songs that they choose or relate to with notes and musical examples provided.
Alan began learning and playing drum set at age 17. He is proficient in various drum and percussion instruments across different genres. His musical roots are jazz-based drum set playing.
Ross Gerritsen
Ross is the Head of Arts at Nayland College where he is a classroom music teacher and produces and directs the Nayland musicals. His musical background is firmly grounded in brass bands. As well as being two-time National Baritone Champion Ross has been a member of all eight National Bands since 2003 including seven as principal Baritone, winning the band’s MVP award in 2017 – the year they came second in the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands.
Ross is six-time National Duet Champion and won the 2023 and 2024 National Quartet Championship with Nelson City Brass musicians including Head of Music, Kay Mackenzie. Ross has a Bachelor of Music Education, LTCL in Performance Euphonium and a Diploma in Music specialising in Brass Band studies.
Joel Bolton
Joel is passionate about passing on the gift of music, knowing how it can help sustain a person emotionally, intellectually and even financially throughout their life. Numerous studies have shown that learning a musical instrument can boost academic success and encourage good study habits.
Joel has many years of experience teaching piano to all ages and levels - from absolute beginner to Grade 8 plus.
He also enjoys listening to and teaching a wide range of music from classical and jazz to music from movies, computer games and other popular genres.
James Gould
James’ musical journey began with a passion for guitar at a young age, and his dedication has driven him to achieve significant milestones in his musical career.
He holds a degree in Contemporary Music from Whitirea Polytechnic, where he not only pursued his studies but also started teaching guitar part-time at Studio Sasada School of Music.
After graduating, James continued to teach, sharing his knowledge and love for music with students of all ages and levels. His teaching experience ranges from one-on-one tuition to group lessons, demonstrating his adaptability and flexibility in catering to the needs of his students.
John Conly
John Conly started his musical life at Nelson Central School playing guitar for their Kapa Haka group, Tamariki Toa. He played in rock and metal bands during college before moving into the singer-songwriter scene in Wellington playing solo, duo and electro-rock gigs.
John taught guitar for 12 years in Wellington before moving back to Nelson. John loves writing, recording, performing at local venues, and nurturing young guitarists, helping them realise their passion for guitar and music. John teaches music and guitar at Neirana (Nayland College).
Siobhan Gerritsen
Siobhan received her Master of Music in Cello Performance in 2006. She was an intern with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for two years and played in other professional orchestras and chamber groups in Auckland for many years.
Siobhan has been teaching Cello, Beginner Piano, Chamber Music, and Music Theory both privately and in schools for 25 years. She also has experience as part of the music programme at an international school in Thailand where she both taught and performed.
Siobhan has enjoyed being part of the vibrant music scene in Nelson over the last three years, performing with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra, Nelson Chamber Orchestra and more recently, a Cello Quartet.
"Students are considered central to all school decision making. Each individual is well supported through holistic academic and pastoral pathways for success. Trustees and leaders make deliberate and strategic decisions to direct staffing and other resourcing where it will have the greatest impact for learners."
- Education Review Office Report 2020
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