Auckland
Saxophone Lessons | Clarinet Lessons | Online Lessons
Bio
At time of writing I have enjoyed a diverse, 20+ year portfolio career on many instruments including (but not limited to) clarinets, saxophones, flute, recorders, Irish whistles, piano and vocals. Performance experience includes Auckland Philharmonia (including leading a jazz ensemble for their ‘APOPS’ concerts in schools); Auckland Chamber Orchestra; New Zealand Opera; Brett’s New Internationals (1920s jazz orchestra); Lex Pistols (traditional Dixieland jazz); Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band (including a nationwide tour); original material in the Surrey Hills Music Festival (Melbourne); Vitamin S free improvisation sessions; the territorial Band of the Wellington and Hawkes Bay Regiment; the full time Royal New Zealand Navy Band; USA-based composer and comedian Robbie Ellis; original acoustic bands Doris (Auckland) and Neighbouring Planets (Whitianga); Mercury Bay Big Band. Throughout 2020 I was a guest conductor for the Mercury Bay Community Choir and performed as half of ‘Dave and Yvette’, a jazz duo with guitarist Dave Mulholland, before embarking upon a solo woodwind and vocal project in 2021.
I am also an active composer whose experience includes APO; Auckland Wind Orchestra; Manukau Concert Band; Westlake Concert Band; Howick Brass; Auckland Mandolinata Orchestra; The Committee; Saxcess professional saxophone quartet (Wellington); Cairo Club Orchestra (Melbourne); violinist Sarah Curro (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra); tenor singer Benjamin Makisi’s international cruise ship engagements; my original woodwind album Grooves Unspoken (recorded live in association with Auckland Fringe Festival, for broadcast by Radio New Zealand Concert). I recently completed a new piece for pianist Sharon Vogan Cawston’s upcoming CD release of fresh New Zealand music.
From 2016 to 2018 I completed an immense, rewarding and in many ways humbling two-year learning curve in the full-time position of Specialist Music Teacher at Mercury Bay Area School, during which I directed and arranged for a couple of the school bands and vocal groups and taught specialist woodwind, vocals and keyboard. I continued to contribute to the musical life of MBAS over the next four years and am now focusing on my private teaching studio, which also includes ukulele. I hold full registration with the New Zealand Teaching Council and am committed to regular professional development and upskilling as both a teacher and a musician.
Available to teach private students in Central West Auckland or online.
Teaching Info
I tailor my lessons to each and every student, fundamentally believing that a comprehensive education incorporating musical literacy, playing by ear, improvisation and a diverse range of styles ultimately creates a holistic musician. I am patient but firm, believing in the ability of each and every student to reach their fullest potential. Please contact me for further info including pricing.
"Yvette's passion for all types of music show through in her teaching... I loved the way she could easily change pace to suit my learning and comfort... She allowed me to focus on the styles I loved, yet challenged me to progress as a musician and step out of my comfort zones. She is extremely approachable, making it easy to ask questions and really enjoy every session."
