Meet our students and graduates

Earl Ho

“There have been many instances where music moved me significantly, to the point where I thought that if I didn’t do music there would be no worth in living. So studying music seemed like a good idea!

“The great lecturers at the School of Music have so much wisdom to share. I’ve learned that you need to be self motivated and work hard, and strive for excellence. So when you get into the real world you can apply the same stratagems to achieve all your dreams. I plan to make a career out of music, touring the world performing my songs to people who would love to hear them."

Earl Ho is in his third year of a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music (BA/BMus) conjoint degree.

Olivia Francis

“I began piano lessons at age four, with my twin sister Gracie. At seven I began studying violin, and ever since then it has been one of the most important things in my life. Having never been apart more than a month in our lives, Gracie
and I wanted to stick together for university, and after visiting The University of Auckland and loving the atmosphere, we knew it was the place to be.

So far, performing in the 2011 Graduation Gala Concerto Competition has been a highlight for me and I am looking forward to many more exciting opportunities as I complete my degree.”

Olivia Francis is in her second year of a Bachelor of Music (BMus), majoring in Classical Performance.

Jimmy Garden

“Studying seemed like the logical step towards becoming a jazz musician. The lecturers have helped my practical skills in composing and playing on my instrument, and have helped me understand how to approach being a musician.

“There is a fantastic music community revolving around the university, which makes it a great place to meet and play with people, so that has been a real highlight. There have also been many great master classes with visiting musicians. The teaching staff are the real reason I chose to study here. The lecturers are all awesome players, but also great people too.”

Jimmy Garden is in his third year of a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music (BA/BMus) conjoint degree.

Celeste Oram

“I chose to study in Auckland as a way to get established in the largest cultural centre in New Zealand. I have taken part in a huge variety of exciting projects while at university, through which I have developed wonderful working relationships with my peers. I see this as the starting block for my career.

“My conjoint degree has provided me with an invaluable cross-disciplinary education. I started university knowing that music and the performing arts were what I wanted to be involved in, but my studies have gradually directed me towards finding the areas in which I feel in my element.”

Celeste Oram is in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music (BA/BMus) conjoint degree.

Jason Bae

“I chose to study at The University of Auckland because of Rae de Lisle, a senior lecturer at the School of Music who has been my mentor since I was 9 years old.   I have learnt so much from her, and I believe she improves me endlessly. 
 
Piano, I think, is a lonely instrument.   Pianists don't normally have the opportunity of working with other musicians. However, in the School of Music I take courses which allow me to work with other instruments in a chamber ensemble. Through that experience I have learnt to develop my personal skills and interact with other musicians. I believe this will help me to become a well-rounded person.”

Jason is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree, majoring in Performance.

 

Emma Penty

"Music has always been a passion of mine, and something I've always wanted to pursue as a career. I chose to enrol in the Bachelor of Music at The University of Auckland not only because of its excellent reputation, but also to take full advantage of the facilities and general education opportunities available.

“The Popular Music major has helped me to improve on my technical and performance skills, while also allowing me to be creative and to do what I love – making music. When I graduate I plan to go on to postgraduate study and at the same time build a career in songwriting and performance."

Emma is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music (BMus), majoring in Popular Music.

Leon Stark-Wang

“I decided to study at The University of Auckland because of the breadth of courses available. The ability to study jazz and pop music while doing a classical major appealed to me.

The chance to compose for baroque organ one week and a surround sound installation the next definitely keeps me on my toes. I've enjoyed the varied nature of my assignments and the fact that my course caters to my interest in musical technology as well. I aim to move into composition/production for film or television when I graduate.”

Leon Stark-Wang is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music (BMus), majoring in Composition.

 

Alex Bennett

"Being at the University has provided me with many opportunities for professional development as a researcher. I have presented at conferences in Paris and Shanghai and will go to New York and London later this year.... I have no doubt that I will pursue a career in academia and I look forward to going wherever in the world music takes me."

Alex Bennett is a PhD candidate in Music.

Reilly Smethurst

“I was a guest speaker at the 2009 New Zealand Electroacoustic Music Symposium, held at the School of Music. I was very impressed by the composition and research work presented by John Coulter and his team of postgraduate students, so I applied to study Composition at The University of Auckland. Soon after, I was awarded the University’s Masters/Honours/PG Dip Scholarship.”

Reilly, who comes from Australia, is currently studying for a Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus(Hons)).
 

Melody Lin

“My area of research is on contemporary Asian and New Zealand flute compositions, especially on the musical parallels between the Western flute and the traditional Chinese and Japanese flutes and their performance techniques. The School of Music library has a comprehensive list of materials that has been significantly beneficial to my research. The funding from the Postgraduate Research Student Support (PReSS) has also enabled me to attend overseas conferences, such as the 2008 World Shakuhachi Festival.

“Through my doctoral study I have been able to refine and broaden my performance skills and develop myself further as a solo, chamber and orchestral musician. The public recitals held at the School of Music have given me the opportunities to perform my chosen repertoires, and to build up my connection with a wider community.”

Melody has recently completed a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).

Lisa Chung

“I've been playing the cello since I was a little child and it has become a part of my life, which is probably why it was natural for me to choose to study music. The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at The University of Auckland is a professional degree for performers who have the talent as well as the ambition to develop their careers through further research and highly advanced studies in performance. It allows you to expand the depth of your knowledge and develop professional skills.

I've been participating in various music festivals, masterclasses and seminars around the world since I've started my DMA. Through these experiences, I would love to be involved in teaching advanced students in the future.”

Lisa is currently studying for a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).
 

Tania Priebs

"I chose music from an early age as I was obsessed with singing and classical music. The older I got, the more fascinated I became with these amazing composers – their brilliant and intricate ways of composing.
 
I chose The University of Auckland as the singing teachers are among the best in New Zealand. They are your friend as well as your teacher – they really care about you. Also I found it to be the best centre to be immersed in musical culture, with the arts and shows around the city. Free music concerts at the University are also a bonus, as you get to learn and experience things you may not have done otherwise.

I have learnt that if I really put my heart into something I can gain amazing grades – I strugged academically at school and yet at Uni, with my passion for music I gained a first class Bachelor of Music."

Tania has recently completed a Bachelor of Music (Honours) (BMus(Hons)), majoring in Performance (vocal studies)
 

Tsubasa Kawamoto

"I chose to study music at The University of Auckland because of its reputation for outstanding teaching staff who are committed to their students, and are current leaders in the world field. I have found that the School of Music has allowed me to explore many facets of music, including instrumental and electroacoustic composition. The boutique environment and great facilities have enabled me to actively pursue both the theoretical and practical sides of musical composition, as well as offering numerous performance opportunities – and helping me build a network of invaluable ties with professionals. Following obtaining my BMus (Hons) in 2010, I plan to continue my studies at the School of Music at masters level."

Tsubasa is currently studying for a Master of Music, specialising in Composition.

Ben White

Ben White graduated from The University of Auckland in 2005 with a Bachelor of Music (Honours), majoring in Jazz Performance. Since then he has built a successful career as a professional freelance musician and composer. He is an accomplished guitarist in a variety of styles, performing and recording with Latin/funk/hip-hop/soul band Sola Rosa and pop/rock artist Dane Rumble. Currently Ben is focused on a new Sola Rosa album shortly to be released in the US and Europe, and dreaming of global success for this distinctively New Zealand sound.

Natalie Harris

Natalie embarked on her musical career at the age of nine, when the local marching band in her home county of Dorset in southern England offered free lessons. She tried cornet and xylophone, and didn't like either instrument. "Then I wanted to play the flute and they didn't have one, so they gave me a clarinet."

She developed a talent for the instrument and at just 21, was one of 85 young classical musicians selected for the 2010 NZSO National Youth Orchestra. She hopes to be in a professional symphony orchestra one day, but doesn't expect an easy road. "You've got to be in it for the music [not the money]. It's a gamble like anything else."

Tama Waipara

Tama Waipara graduated from The University of Auckland in 1998 with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) and has since built a multifaceted career as a professional musician, performing with the NZSO and other orchestras; classical singer; contemporary singer-songwriter and recording artist; actor; music lecturer; composer of music for theatre, film and advertising; sonic artist; and global traveller.