Auckland
Piano Lessons | Singing Lessons
Bio
Hello and welcome
Decades ago I left NZ to study music therapy in London. The move was prompted by my experiences teaching class music in NZ schools. A music session often elicited questions and comments from students concerning their personal lives. I noted that this rarely happened in the other subjects that I taught as a classroom teacher. It motivated me to explore the greater significance of music. I left general teaching and studied music full time before leaving for London and then America to study pedagogical approaches that supported healing and holistic music education.
After a life-time teaching music in NZ and London, and in the USA where I lived for 30 years, I observe that music, and its medium of sound and silence, helps to heal and bring balance to our lives. The patterns and repetitions that underpin music support a healing process over time. I have observed a number of children who struggled to learn and cope at school benefit hugely from learning an instrument. It gave them the inner strength, discipline and confidence to overcome their issues. I have observed that music is particularly beneficial for children and adults who have suffered psychological trauma or injury. Indeed, I believe that the vibrational nature of sound and music fosters deepened listening, connection, balance, understanding and wellbeing for all.
Teaching Info
My teaching style is respectful, holistic and creative. It acknowledges the uniqueness of each person. Whether teaching piano or voice or facilitating sound sessions, I endeavor to support student goals and aspirations while leading them towards greater musicianship and appreciation for the power and inherent beauty of sound and music. Students, parents and colleagues comment on my teaching style in the testimonials below.
My 2 son’s (8 and 6 years old) have been taking lessons from Janet for almost a year now. Both my boys are inspired to love music after each lesson. Janet’s approach to teaching music is holistic and fun. We currently live on the North Shore, and have followed Janet to her new studio, as I was finding it difficult to find a teacher with same music values and enthusiasm locally. A very special teacher, one in a million.
Sharon Ng
Our daughter, Jes (10 years old), has been taking piano lessons with Janet for some two to three years now. During this time we have been thrilled to see Jes’s progress on the piano and how much she enjoys her lessons with Janet. We live on the North Shore and until just recently were very close to Janet’s studio. When we heard that Janet was moving to Taupaki, there was no question that we would follow her there. Janet is an exceptional music teacher. What we find truly special about her is her authenticity in really getting to know Jes, what makes her tick and exactly what she needs so as to create her own unique and special music journey. Janet is patient and encouraging with Jes. Janet recognises Jes’s creative side and nurtures her desire to experiment while at the same time encouraging her to keep up her skills practice. Jes wouldn’t miss her lessons with Janet for the world.
Tony Wright
Janet has been nothing but amazing throughout the several years I've had her as my teacher. She has pushed me to the best of my abilities and has always treated me with such kindness and patience. She's helped me grow not only as a musician but also as a person, and I wouldn't be where I am without her.
Alice Sutton - 13 years
Janet is a wonderful teacher. She has a rare ability to tap into exactly what speaks to each of her students, individualising her lessons while never omitting the more formal aspects of musicianship. A consummate professional who is also endlessly patient, good-humoured and kind, she never loses sight of the bigger picture, ensuring that music will never be a chore for her students, but will instead remain a life-long joy. I am so grateful for what she has given my daughter. - Sally Sutton
Sally Sutton
Starting to learn the piano as a 32-year-old was quite daunting. After researching thoroughly for a good teacher and guide, I was lucky to find Janet. With her, I was able to receive the inspiration, encouragement and a sense of responsibility for learning. Janet is patient, creative and knowledgeable. She has a lovely attitude and an uplifting personality. These are really helpful and stimulated me to learn, practice and push myself to be better. I am really thankful to Janet for her time and patience with me.
Nivisha
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Janet Dudney. She is a natural teacher with a remarkable ability to win respect and cooperation from all kinds of children. They follow her lead because they want to, and where she leads them is invariably to higher ground. One may ask how she does it. I believe the answer to that is to be found in who she is as a person - her character, her love of her subject, and her love and respect for her students.
Lee Pope, parent of a student and class teacher, 2008.
"When I take the creative aspects from sound exploration into my musical life, I open up. My perception of music has completely changed. Now I am inventive with my music, making me an individual. The creative play is truly a gift. Thanks!"
- Matisse (13 years)
"A HUGE THANKS FOR THE CHANGE IN MY KIDS! I want to sincerely thank you for all you have done for my class, in particular with one boy. At the start of the year he was loud, disruptive and seemed to have an inability to listen. During the sound sessions, his listening has developed so swiftly that it has astounded me. He is patient, more caring and focused in class, and most certainly less disruptive – he is developing into a child that is an utter pleasure to have in the classroom. With many, many thanks! "
Amber Durling – Teacher, Kauri Park School (2012)
"I just want to thank you again for co-creating this lab with me. I've been receiving feedback - people are sharing how deeply it touched them, how heartfelt, real and awakening it felt. You are truly unique and it's such a pleasure to work alongside. Thank you! "
Elena Siun, 2025
"Your workshop was one of the most deeply relaxing, grounding and soothing processes I have experienced and I would encourage everyone to try it. It was an amazing event and I am so grateful to have you at Unitec now offering the same to students and staff every week this semester. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from a broad, diverse group. You offer a unique gift to the world.”
Marion Blundell - 2023 Manager Te Puna Waiora Student Wellbeing, Te Tihi Akonga Angitu Student Success, UNITEC
"I never thought that I would be a singer but over the past 3 years you have helped me find my voice in both song and soul. You are my best voice teacher. I felt respected and encouraged and you taught with patience and inspiration. Thank you!"
Hannah (13 years)
"Janet is simply amazing. She possesses a unique way of reaching to the heart of things and leading others to do the same. As a Music Teacher she inspires students to give their utmost, to reach into themselves and become the music, to share the pathos or joy, the rhythm and energy, the beauty and precision that brings the piece to life. I have seen no one else able to take students to this place of total immersion, total commitment." Gary Griffith - NCSA, CA
