Counties Coromandel
Saxophone Lessons | Clarinet Lessons, Flute Lessons, Keyboard Lessons, Piano Lessons, Recorder Lessons, Singing Lessons, Ukulele Lessons | Aural Lessons, Ensemble Coaching, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, NCEA Music Tutoring, Online Lessons, Posture for Singers and Instrumentalists
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 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 including performances in the Mercury Bay Music Festival). In Covid-restricted 2020 I relished staying local to the Coromandel Peninsula and performing as half of ‘Dave and Yvette’, a jazz duo with guitarist Dave Mulholland.
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).
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 and keyboard. I am still at MBAS as a clarinet, sax, flute and vocal teacher and am also developing and expanding my private teaching studio, which includes piano and 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 Whitianga 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. 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."
