Trombone, Trumpet, Recorder, Orchestra

Teaching is a powerful and transformative process, for both student and teacher. It cuts across cultures, languages and ages. In teaching trumpet, trombone and recorder and leading the TuM Orchestra, I do ensure that students learn theory, musical vocabulary and musical teamwork alongside the tunes. And most importantly, they should have fun and make friends.

Music was my special ‘thing’ growing up. As a socially awkward and very un-sporty child, I found my own place of belonging in the brass section. But I never dreamed I’d start a Music School! In 2014, on a wing and a prayer, Alison Price and I founded Lakes Community Music School. Now re-launched as Turn up the Music School, with an amazing team of Board members and great teachers, we’re beyond delighted to be able to help so many children on their musical journey of learning!

Piano

I am Kana, originally from Tokyo, Japan. I started studying music when I was five years old and attended Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, graduating with a Bachelor of Art in Music in 1991. I achieved an ABRSM Diploma in piano performance in 2017, and I am an associate member of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers in New Zealand.

I have been living in Queenstown since 1996 and have been teaching the piano for more than 10 years, mainly during school term, also performing for the Queenstown public on occasion.

I am happy to teach a range of students, from beginner to advanced, for Classical, Pop & Jazz and also music theory at Wakatipu High School on Tuesday & Thursday.

Violin

Claire is an accomplished and experienced performer, teacher and singer/songwriter. She has played the violin and guitar for over 30 years and has been a member of many orchestras, bands and the traditional Irish music circuit. She has a BAHons, a diploma in Music Education and has been teaching violin and music theory to both adults and children for over 10 years.

Her lessons relay her passion for music, and are fun and enjoyable whilst productive.

Violin, Beginner Piano, Early Childhood Groups

Piano

Originally from Japan, I grew up with a piano because my mother was always teaching it to others at home.

Starting with lessons at five years old, I fell in love with the piano and carried on in my training for a further 15 years. Wanting to expand my musical knowledge, I joined school brass bands and began playing the trumpet and tuba for six more years. 

I have now been teaching piano for eight years, and as a professional pianist, I often play for special events and concerts. 

Currently, I am a member of a ukulele group as well as two choir groups as it is enjoyable for me to get to experience music with different people.

Singing

Natasha Wilson is a Musician and Singing Teacher originally from the UK. Having lived in Queenstown for six years, she is the founder of In Harmony, offering performances, workshops and Vocal Direction, including Queenstown’s popular One-Day Choir.

Natasha was Musical Director for Showbiz Queenstown’s 2024 production of Spamalot and is currently taking the same role for the 2025 production of Into the Woods. She has also worked as Musical Director for a number of junior productions both in the UK and with Stage Antics in New Zealand. Her musical journey in Queenstown began with leading choirs for Turn Up the Music, and she is excited to join the team once more as a Voice teacher.

Beginner Piano & Beginner Guitar

I have been playing Piano and Guitar for over 25 years. Growing up in Blenheim my home would always have an instrument or music playing somewhere. My family’s passion for music and my early Piano and Guitar teachers instilled in me a passion for music and the joy it can bring. The joy of learning an instrument, and the joy of getting better. I am eager to foster the same sense of fun and enthusiasm in music as my early teachers gave me.

Saxophone

Born and raised in Rochester, NY into a musical family, Alexander has had experience with both classical and Jazz from an early age. Always part of the school band as well as local jazz big bands, he grew up to study saxophone at the Eastman School of Music before switching degrees to Electrical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He has however been continuously active in music performance.

Alex moved to Queenstown in 2018 where he plays in several local groups including the Queenstown Jazz Orchestra as well as Alchemy. In addition to playing and teaching music, Alex also runs a woodworking business as well as working  for Shotover Systems in Frankton.

Guitar

Coming from Australia, Matty J picked up a guitar at age 12. In the first 6 months of teaching himself the instrument, he was playing guitar, bass and drums in 5 different bands – and then rapidly progressed to performing in pubs and clubs when he was only 14 years old! During this time, he formed the Gold record-awarded band Thirsty Merc, signed a major label deal with Warner Music, and spent the next 10 years touring all over the country.

Following on from the success of the band, he went into freelance Live and Studio session work, playing and recording for some of Australia’s biggest artists and studios, across all styles of music. In 2009, he was invited to perform in China, and since then has spent the last 10 years performing, musical directing, and managing bands all over the globe in top-level Clubs and Casinos, in countries such as China, Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Bahrain, Dubai, and many more.

Having thousands of live performances over the years and a deep knowledge of all facets of the entertainment industry, he is a seasoned professional and lives to take his love for music and wealth of experience to teach Guitar, Bass, Studio Recording, and Music theory – and inspire the next generation of passionate young musicians in Queenstown!

Ukulele & Guitar
B.Ed, Dip Teach, ACET accredited.

Chris relocated to Central Otago after 34 years of teaching Primary School children in Southland Schools. Most of those years Chris had the added responsibility of the schools’ music teacher, or music specialist leading Teaching colleagues and writing school Curriculum plans. 

A highlight of her career as a school music teacher was conducting the World Vision Kids for Kids choir concerts in Invercargill and Gore, with Suzanne Prentice as the guest artist.

Chris gained ACET,  National  teaching  recognition in 2017 and again in 2018, for raising student achievement in the Arts and Literacy. 

In her personal time, Chris enjoyed performing as the lead singer in a variety of popular Invercargill bands, which stretched  over 30 years. She also played rhythm guitar or keyboard. She was a member of the Southland Musicians club and once, nominated for Entertainer of the Year. 

Chris teaches a variety of instruments, ukulele,  guitar, recorder, xylophone, junior percussion and African drumming, 

‘I truly believe music soothes the soul. It is a gift, a koha  that keeps giving. Playing music together strengthens social relationships, builds teamwork and is FUN. It is wonderful brain gym! Start your musical journey now. I can’t wait to meet you!

Flute

Dougie is an experienced flautist with over 30 years of experience 22 of which as principal flautist ‘The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland’ travelling worldwide as a performer. He studied at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall where he gained qualifications in performance and theory. 

He has lived in Queenstown for almost 10 years and has focused on his roots in Celtic music with local band ‘Hair of the Dog’.

Dougie can teach flute to all ages and has a fun approach to learning whilst encouraging students to reach their full potential.

Violin

Sheena has been playing violin for almost as long as she can remember. Her roots are in classical music, but she has also played fiddle music extensively, both in a Celtic rock band, and as a solo performer. She enjoyed solo spots with the City of Invercargill Pipe Band’s signature show, ‘Pipin’ Hot’ and plays regularly at weddings in the District.

Originally from Scotland, Sheena has called Queenstown home for over 20 years. During that time, she has been a member of the Central Otago Regional Orchestra, leading the orchestra from time to time. She is a founding member of Queenstown Party Orchestra – a group that performs contemporary and popular music, using (mainly) traditional orchestral instruments.

Sheena recently completed a Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Music at SIT. She has been a violin teacher with Turn Up the Music school since 2021 and loves helping others to learn and enjoy an instrument that has been such a massive part of her life.

Singing

Charlotte grew up in the UK, and made Queenstown her home in 2011. Surrounded by music from a young age, piano and singing was always a big part of her life. Performing on stage as a child sparked a love for storytelling through song, which has only grown stronger over the years.

In recent years Charlotte has been involved in the local performing arts scene, both on stage and behind the scenes with Showbiz Queenstown.

Singing is Charlotte’s true passion – especially harmonising with others. She loves the joy and freedom singing brings. Her goal as a teacher is to help others experience that same feeling, whether they’re just starting out or looking to refine their skills. She focuses on one-on-one coaching, providing tools and techniques to unlock each singer’s unique potential in a supportive and relaxed environment.

Over the past few years, Charlotte has been studying Estill voice training, a method that helps singers understand and control their voice with confidence. Whether you want to build vocal strength, develop your range, or just sing for fun – she’s all about making learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Drums

Guitar & Drums

Greig regards music as one of life’s truly magical pursuits. His experiences encompass performance, composing, recording and teaching.

From an early age he was drawn to the sounds of different instruments and genres of music.

He began to learn on his father’s guitar at home from around the age of six or seven. At almost the same time Greig discovered his attraction to the drums and was fortunate to have a childhood friend who’s family had a vast music room filled with all that is musical. This was the first place Greig sat behind a drum kit and was immediately hooked.

He went on to have guitar & drum lessons through his school and college years and was also mentored by various independent teachers.

It wasn’t long before Greig was performing on guitar in a three piece band at school. He also played as a drummer and percussionist in the school orchestra and would perform regularly in various locations. Over the years Greig has played and recorded with many bands in various styles on both guitar and drums.

Teaching music for Greig started in 2003 in England. He went on to teach in Canada and now in New Zealand. Greig has experience with all age groups and abilities. As a teacher Greig is passionate about helping people feel confident with a strong sense of self belief. Most important to Greig is to create a fun and comfortable learning environment where relationships can be built. Watching people discover their capabilities is a highlight that can be shared and nurtured.

Greig has called Queenstown home since 2008 and lives locally with his wife and two children. Outside of teaching Greig can be found exploring our beautiful surroundings, taking photographs, hiking, biking or kayaking as well as performing in bands.

Guitar & Ukulele / Singing & Songwriting

Lisa has been involved in music, most of her life. At age 18, she moved to Canada & the U.S for 14 years, where she recorded her first country rock album with her sister Andrea, as the duo Rhodes & Marshall.
This album yielded 5 top 10 singles & 3 music videos on CMT Canada.
They have shared the stage with many other artists; Keith Urban, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Travis Tritt, Martina McBride and Diamond Rio, to name a few.

Lisa & her sister left Canada for Nashville Tennessee where they both signed a 4 year management & publishing deal with Ten Ten Music. They still submit songs on a ‘song by song basis’ to this day, but
currently own their own music catalogue.

Here’s a few of Lisa’s accomplishments/endeavours:

• Manages her own private tutoring business (2002-present) focusing on NZ’s youth & adults with 50+ students on a weekly basis (guitar/vocals/songwriting/ukulele & recording) & has run her own Group Lessons/Band Camp during school holidays
• Part of the ‘LA Social’ crew (2013-present) a group of 15+ musicians under the ‘LA Social’ Banner performing at corporate events throughout the year around Central Otago, as soloist/duo & full band
• Single release on U.S solo artist Ainsley, EP, Song title ‘Summer In London’, written by Lisa, Andrea & Mark Moffatt (2017)
• 1st Place in New Zealand Songwriters Trust Awards (2008)
• 2nd Place in the New Zealand Songwriters Trust Awards (2006)
• 2nd Place in the Pacific Songwriting Competition (Dance Category 2005)
• Two songs on the New Zealand Songwriters Trust Album ‘The Writers Cut’ (2004)
• 1st & 2nd place in the New Zealand Songwriters Trust Awards (2004)
• Two songs ‘Everyday’ & ‘Don’t Need Your Love’, written and recorded by Lisa & Andrea in the U.S, for the world wide released movie ‘100 Girls’ (2002)
• 4 Year Publishing Contract with Ten Ten Music, Nashville, TN, USA, (1996-2000)
• Their self penned Debut Album ‘Rhodes & Marshall’, ‘Too Young For Elvis’, written, recorded & released in Canada (1995), on Tomcat Records, including 5 top ten singles & 3 music videos on CMT Canada.

Lisa has written Pop, Rock, Dance, Alternative and Country. She says of her musical focus “The hardest thing is deciding what I’m not going to do’. Lisa now lives in Glenorchy, NZ & is happy with the decision to move back home to her roots.

“I’m continuing to develop my own style, my own story, from what life has thrown at me. I’m proud of who I am, where I’ve
come from & where I’ve been. I pour this into my songs. But I also love nurturing the talent of others….because music, like good food or wine…..is best shared…. “

Guitar

Ever since I was little I’ve loved music, as a little kid dancing with my parents to the music of their generation. When I was 8 years old I started having piano lessons. After a few years of lessons, one day
my father borrowed a guitar to learn how to play that. He gave up after a weekend but for me the love for the instrument grew.

After continuing my training, In 2015 I received a bachelor of music at the Hanzehogeschool Groningen, in the Netherlands. In the years that followed, I started travelling around the world, busking in places like
Melbourne and eventually Queenstown in 2020. Since then I have been working as a performing musician in the bars in Queenstown.

I am accomplished at singing and playing at the same time and looping guitar. The focus in my lessons is to have fun, whilst learning new skills. This means that as a teacher I focus on the music that my students love, or discover on our journey together. After all, it starts and ends with the love for music.

Piano

Jane grew up in Dunedin and started learning the piano at age 8 and progressed through to grade 8, learning until the age of 18. At that point, university, life and adulthood intervened and playing the piano didn’t seem so important any more with classical singing (opera) and theatre now the performing focus. Jane moved to Queenstown in 2004 and theatre has remained a key interest with Jane performing with both Remarkable Theatre and Showbiz Queenstown.

In 2014, Jane decided to return to piano playing and began teaching with a small portfolio of students, playing the piano more herself and rediscovering the joy of making music. She started teaching with Turn Up the Music in 2025 and has enjoyed expanding her musical world and sharing her love of music with people of all ages from the Queenstown community.