Creative ID: 173
Anywhere in the Auckland area, particularly South Auckland.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
My arts or creative practice currently includes being a working musician in the music industry and have been for many years now. I have been fortunate to work with extremely gifted artists and individuals, I currently work closely with a New Zealand singer and have just finished touring Australia and New Zealand with his tour as the bassist for his band. I have strengths in playing the bass along with guitar, keys and drums, not only playing but also recording, performing and touring. I have experience working with various musicians from string quartets and brass sections, to DJs and full bands, both band arranging and music directing. I use Instagram to capture my music journey so it may be helpful to check it out.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
I have years of experience in the music and entertainment industry recording, performing and touring with many well-known artists. I along with my wife have formed a diverse and unique music business which caters to many layers of the industry, from recording and producing to managing and entertainment. I have worked in the music industry for the last 17 years, throughout that time I have had the privilege of performing most years, in New Zealand's largest festivals and events such as, Pacifika Festival, Parachute Music Festival, Homegrown, One Love, Winery Tour, Pacific Music Awards, the Juice TV Music Awards, and Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards with many talented New Zealand artists. I have worked closely with renowned New Zealand Labels and major International Labels. Over the years myself along with the session band have built up a high calibre of artists who we perform live events, record and tour with nationally and internationally. Some of these artists include well-known New Zealand artists.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I had an amazing opportunity to gain well-rounded teaching and mentoring skills working with young people through an alternative education provider for 4 years, during this time I taught music in a youth justice facility and Care and Protection facility with disadvantaged and incarcerated youth. The students I worked with varied in age from 7–17 years, I taught various instruments from guitar, bass, keyboard, drums as well as band arrangement and music production technology. I also led items for performance with these young people for various events and assemblies. Many of them created and produced their own music during this time I was working with them, songwriting and MC'ing their own songs and tracks.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I have been blessed over the years to gain the experience I have, I hear about the talented young people in schools and my community from various people and I would love the opportunity to mentor and steward some of them in gaining more knowledge and skill. Being able to input and encourage the next generation of musicians to work in this diverse and challenging, yet rewarding industry would be a great honour for me.