Creative ID: 7
Northland, Auckland
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I have been a music mentor with NZMC for 25 years. A touring musician/performer and booking agent for 30 years. My expertise lies in composition, songwriting, band mentoring for rock quests, and tour-ready, studio-ready tuition.
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 am a multi-instrumentalist/composer/performer. My teachers include Robert Fripp, [Voted best guitarist in the world three years running,] Guitar Player Mag and Nigel Gavin.[Gitbox]. I was the principle writer for a well-known trio for 12 years and am a multi-instrumentalist.
I have been involved in over 20 different groups, and 38 recorded works; I have composed for three documentary film tracks, and was commissioned to compose five pieces for a number of works (names available on request). I was part of a dance company in Fiji, where I was part of the musician line-up improvising for the dancers live shows. I was part of the documentary series held in Vancouver Called “100 Years Café” filmed over three days which showcased my skills as a collaborator and composer.
I have toured the globe extensively performing in major festivals around the world. I have performed solo ukulele at the Melbourne Ukulele Festival, and was part of three composition workshops held at The Banff Centre in Alberta Canada, where I wrote music with Juno Winner Leela Gilday. I then went on to be the Music Mentor for the RECLAIM project held at The Banff Centre. I was mentor for NZMC from 2006 to 2020, and am currently a freelance musician, performing with three groups.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I have 25 years of working in New Zealand high schools and intermediates as a music mentor; 30 schools in South Australia with a trio group, two years with Reap, and schools around Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I’ve been a music mentor for over 25 years; my music has taken me around the world. I have a lot of experience in fostering our younger muso's to believe in their gifts and step out on to the stage with confidence. I get results after two days of mentoring in schools and that’s why I’m called in to help with Rock Quest Bands. I have also been a tutor for The Girls Rock Camp sessions in Auckland three times.