Christchurch
Piano Lessons, Singing Lessons | Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons
Bio
Born and raised in Christchurch, Shelley Spang began her musical journey at the age of four with piano studies under the late Verna Anderson. She went on to graduate from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Vocal Performance under the guidance of Mary Adams-Taylor. Shelley also holds LTCL Diplomas in both Singing and Piano.
At just 15, Shelley was selected for the National Youth Choir of New Zealand under Professor Peter Godfrey. During this time, the choir achieved international success, winning at the International Choral Festival in Vienna and performing at the Welsh Eisteddfod.
Following her university studies, Shelley spent five years in London undertaking advanced private vocal study with Rudolf Piernay and Margaret Lobo. In 1991, she was chosen as one of only nine students across the UK to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Therapy at the Roehampton Institute in Surrey.
Since returning to New Zealand in 1992, Shelley worked extensively as a music therapist, supporting a diverse range of clients across areas including prematurity, psychiatric illness, profound and multiple disabilities, and dementia care. While she is no longer practising as a music therapist, this experience continues to inform and enrich her teaching and musicianship.
Shelley was a foundation member of Tower Voices New Zealand, touring internationally with the choir to Spain in 1998 for an International Choir Festival, and to Nouméa in 1999 as representatives of New Zealand.
Shelley is a member of the New Zealand Registered Teachers Association and now focuses her professional work on teaching and performance. She runs a thriving private studio, teaching singing and piano to students of all ages, and also teaches piano and vocal students at Christ’s College in Christchurch. Until recently, Shelley served as the South Island Accompanist for the New Zealand Male Voice Choir and continues to regularly adjudicate music competitions throughout the South Island.
Teaching Info
SINGING LESSONS
Tuition is available for all levels, from complete beginners through to advanced students looking to expand their technique and repertoire. For those wishing to sit classical exams, preparation is offered through both the Trinity College London and ABRSM (Royal Schools of Music) syllabuses.
Lessons are equally suited to students returning to music, developing skills for enjoyment, preparing for auditions, exploring music theatre, meeting NCEA requirements, or building choral and ensemble expertise. All lessons place a strong emphasis on healthy vocal technique and effective breathing, with repertoire drawn from a wide range of musical styles to suit each student’s interests and goals.
PIANO LESSONS
as above
THEORY LESSONS
Trinity College and Royal Schools of music resources/exams available, or for students simply wanting to ‘make sense’ of musical concepts which they come across in other music studies. Students of all ages taken, and all levels of theory covered.