MEC AGM and KIWICORDER WORKSHOP
2023-04-01 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Chisnallwood intermediate, 76 Breezes Road, Christchurch, 8061, New Zealand
2pm Music Education Canterbury AGM
2:40 Afternoon tea
3pm Workshop for the new Kiwicorder resource!! (BYO recorder!)
Agenda

Please RSVP here

Rob McWilliams Conducting Workshop
2023-08-29 17:30 - 19:30 UTC | Avonhead School, 55 Avonhead Road, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8042, New Zealand
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2023 AT 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
5.30pm – Meet in Avonhead School staffroom to meet Rob and discuss some general issues
6.00pm – Head over to school hall where Rob can work with the CYO Concert Band for 45 minutes
6.45pm – Everyone back to staffroom for a debrief, discussion and questions.

Finished by 7.30ish. This is open to all current and aspiring conductors and, thanks to Music Works there is no cost.
Enrol using this form
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Prof. Rob McWilliams was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. He holds a Ph. D. in Music/Music Education (conducting focus) from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting from Florida State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Melbourne. Dr. McWilliams was a United States resident from 1991 to 2014 and served as Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Instrumental Music Education at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh from 1996 where he also served as Head of Music from 2011 to 2014. Dr. McWilliams has conducted and presented at major music conferences in Japan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Europe, China, all states of Australia, and has been published in the Journal of Band Research, Teaching Music Through Performance, and is a composer/arranger with Alfred’s Music. In early 2015 he relocated to Brisbane, Australia where he is currently working for Yamaha Music Australia as their Education Outreach Clinician, as well as teaching sessionally at the Jazz Music Institute and freelancing as a musician, educator, conductor, composer/arranger, and adjudicator.
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FREE Mātauranga Pūoro Māori Wananga PLD with Horomona Horo
2023-09-04 10:30 - 2023-09-22 15:30 UTC
MENZA is thrilled to be partnering with Horomona Horo and Tāmihana Kātene to provide wānanga across Aotearoa, supporting kaiāko with their confidence and understanding of mātauranga Māori as it pertains to music. This is made possible by funding from the Networks of Expertise to support preparation for the new NCEA, and the workshops are free for all teachers. You don’t need to be a MENZA member, but of course we appreciate all new members too.

Horo is an esteemed practitioner of Taonga Pūoro, core member of the haumanu collective and a gifted teacher. This hui aims to help build your knowledge in mātauranga Māori and mātauranga pūoro. Horomona Horo will be leading ngā hui and potentially inviting mana whenua and other Māori specialists.

Please register below for your chosen location, so that we can make the necessary arrangements for morning tea and venue, and so that we can keep you up-to-date with information about the workshop and the follow-up session and resources. For lunch, we would appreciate it if participants could bring or make something for shared kai.

Monday 4 September, 10.30am-4.30pm – Christchurch, Shirley Boys’ High School. Register here
Tuesday 5 September, 9am-3pm – Invercargill, James Hargest Senior Campus. Register here
Wednesday 6 September, 8am-1pm – Dunedin. Register here
Thursday 7 September, 8am-2pm – Napier. Register here
Friday 15 September, 9am-3pm – Northland, Kenana Marae (Doubtless Bay – Mangonui). Register here
Monday 18 September, 9.30am-3.30pm – Auckland, Western Springs College. Register here
Wednesday 20 September, 11am-5pm – Gisborne, Lytton High School. Register here
Thursday 21 September, 10am-4pm – New Plymouth, Waitara High School. Register here
Friday 22 September, 9am-3pm – Nelson Centre of Musical Arts. Register here
Friday 22 September (with Tāmihana), 9.30am-3.30pm – Wellington. Register here

Strum Strike and Blow 2023
2023-09-06 09:30 - 20:00 UTC | Christchurch Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Christchurch, New Zealand
Strum, Strike and Blow features over 1200 students playing marimbas, ukuleles and recorders. The Festival is run by Music Education Canterbury and Christchurch Civic Music Council and is in its 11th (and 10th Festival) year and is held in Christchurch Arena.
Once schools have registered they are given access to the music which will generally involve 4-5 individual pieces for ukuleles, recorders and marimba and a couple of massed items for all three groups of instruments.
The music caters for all levels of experience and when performed live at the festival event, is backed by a professional band.
Three workshops are provided for teachers (usually one each term).
A full rehearsal happens on the day between 9:30am-2pm at the arena for all participating schools with the accompanying band.
Schools perform together in a 75 minute family-friendly concert from 7pm-8:15pm.
Schools can register for this festival through the registration page (click here).

Big Band Festival Workshops in Christchurch
2023-10-22 10:30 - 14:30 UTC | The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
Workshop 1 10:30-12 Sectional Workshops
Come along at 10:30am on Sunday morning to “The Piano” either with your instrument, or to observe. (But we encourage you to BYO instrument). Note the rhythm section backline will be there, but BYO bass or guitar and lead).
Attendees will be split into sectional groups to workshop with jazz experts from the Rodger Fox Big Band in separate rooms at “The Piano”.
The tutors include the following experts:

Saxophones and woodwind: Bryn van Vliet, Oscar Lavën
Trombones: Kaito Walley
Trumpets: Cameron Robertson, Mike Booth
Rhythm Section: Anita Swabe (keys), Gus Reece (guitar), Rory McCartney (bass), Lance Philip (drums)
Vocals: Erna Ferry

This group of jazz and instrument workshops finish at 12 noon, so there’s time to grab a quick bite from New Regent Street and be back for the 12:30pm workshop where you can get to play in a super big band led by Rodger Fox and alongside members of the Rodger Fox Big Band on the stage at the Piano! Register for this workshop ahead of time to get your music emailed to you.
Workshop 2 All-in Big Band Workshop
New Zealand big band giant Rodger Fox will workshop all age instrumentalists in a big band experience. It is open to players of saxophone, trumpet, trombones, piano, guitar, bass and drums. If you want to take part but play a different instrument such as clarinet, please let us know when you register.
Once registered, the music will be emailed out to you ahead of time. It is suitable for players who can follow a chart. All ages welcome.
Participants will experience playing in a big band with Rodger Fox, learn about jazz feel and get to do improvisation while sitting alongside some members of the Rodger Fox Big Band!
The workshop will take place in the Piano on Armagh Street.
The band will then perform on stage in the Phil Carter Concert Hall in the Piano in the final 20 minutes of the workshop (just after 2pm).
The cost is $15 (or $10 for performers of the Christchurch Big Band Festival).
Venue – The Piano on Armagh Street
NOTE that there are also separate sectional workshops in the morning on offer by members of the Rodger Fox Big Band that focus on instrument techniques and improvisation tips. (Saxophones, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section and vocal workshops). Registration tickets are available here.

Kodály Teacher Training - Summer School
2024-01-15 08:30 - 2024-01-19 19:30 UTC | Chisnallwood Intermediate, 76 Breezes road Chisnallwood, Christchurch, 8061, New Zealand
Five days of exciting music making and learning, led by international experts, Maree Henessey and Rosalie Scott, inspired by the Kodály approach to music making and learning – along with conducting with local choral expert, Andrew Withington, and evening sessions from local musicians, to widen our practice, including Kapa Haka, West African drumming and more.

This summer we are offering an overview of the approach, that gives a taster of the level training, with examples of how the approach can be used throughout a child’s school years from primary to upper secondary. Participants will study musicianship, methodology, conducting and choir and can enter at any level of musicianship and conducting, from beginner to advanced.
After the five days, participants are welcome to enrol in an online mentorship programme, led by Maree and Rosalie, and Ōtautahi members will also have local mentoring available. The mentorship programme will also be available to people who have completed at least one level of Kodály training, through any accredited provider.
There are part time streams and a full time stream and options suitable for classroom teachers with limited musical experience as well as for music major graduates and musicians with no teaching experience. Choir leaders can opt to just attend musicianship, conducting and choir or attend the full programme.
Scholarships available for recent music performance graduates, and lived experience cultural experts.
About the Kodály approach

The Kodály approach is holistic and accessible, for teachers who are passionate about helping all their students become resilient learners and lifelong musicians.
​When music is taught or learned using Kodály’s approach, skills vital to advanced music making such as “inner hearing”, rhythmic co-ordination and harmonic hearing are strongly developed at an early stage.
​In a well researched pedagogical sequence, within a framework of folk songs and singing games, students learn through doing, playing and singing. Musical elements are experienced before being named and once learned are practised, and thoroughly understood before new elements are added.
​Music making is at the centre, and classes are joyful, stimulating and fun.
​Teachers trained in the Kodály approach are challenged to continually improve their own musicianship and teaching practise. They develop skills in long and short term planning with learners at the centre.
​One of the most exciting parts of embarking on this journey is the opportunity to develop your own musicianship. The course meets the needs of beginner to advanced musicians.
​The training is rigorous yet completely non competitive. Teacher training is joyful, challenging, liberating, musical, fun and transformative.

Safer Spaces in Music Education workshop - Christchurch - 31 Jan 2024
2024-01-31 08:30 - 17:00 UTC
MENZA is thrilled to be partnering with Safer Spaces in Music Education (SSME) to present this very important workshop. It is made possible by funding from the Networks of Expertise, and the workshops are free for all music educators. There is only room for 30 participants, so be in quick! It’s a perfect opportunity to get together with other local music teachers and food is included. You will also be able to receive a PLD certificate.
The ‘Professional Respect’ Workshop is a bespoke training designed to support Worksafe’s Health&Safety guidelines to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The Professional Respect training day has been developed in conjunction with SoundCheck Aotearoa and are based on a similar training that has been rolled
out across the screen sector.
The full-day training is friendly and interactive and the content includes:

Definitions of sexual harassment and sexual harm within New Zealand legislation
WorkSafe obligations and legal requirements for workplaces
Guidance for receiving disclosures of sexual harm and supporting survivors
Options and pathways for reporting sexual harm and support services available
Strategies for preventing sexual harm and fostering a respectful work environment
Practical tips for bystander intervention.

The day starts at 8.30 for tea and coffee, with an opening karakia at 9am sharp, and runs through until 5pm. Breaks and refreshments/lunch will be provided. The training days are facilitated by sexual harm prevention and response specialists Rachel Harrison and Mel Calvesbert, who are experienced practitioners in sexual harm prevention and response and they will ensure that the discussion is safe, constructive and respectful. There will be no requirement to share personal information in the workshop. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss how to attend or contribute in a safe way, please contact Nicky or Judith.

Nicky Fogden-Smith will be the liaison and host for this workshop as it is offered to ForteMusic ITMs and the remainder of places are open to any music teacher.
As this workshop will reach capacity, there will also be another date in term 1 of 2024, 8.30am-5.00pm on Friday March 15th.
Venue: Hagley College, X Block
Please register so that we can make the necessary arrangements for catering and resources and so we can keep in touch about the day and provide the information. Click here to register.
Thank you for supporting this initiative!
Quote from male attendee: “Safer Spaces workshop was a day well spent. I was quickly put at ease and had a really fun and valuable day, and learnt some really useful information. The presenters were excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone in the music and arts field whether a teacher or performer or director”

Singing, Saying, Moving, Playing
2024-02-19 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Te Ara Ātea, 56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston, Christchurch, Canterbury, 7614, New Zealand
Come and join The Canterbury Musical Parenting Association for a hands on workshop at Te Ara Atea in Rolleston. No prior musical knowledge or signing ability is required! You will take away inspiration and knowledge about how to use music and movement in the everyday lives of tamariki. You will also learn how music enhances social and emotional learning and regulation.
The workshop is targeted at anyone who has contact with children under the age of 8. Parents, whanau, ECE and Primary School teachers, as well as other child focussed professionals are welcome!
When: Monday the 19th of February from 7.00-9.00
Where: Te Ara Atea, Rolleston
Cost: $10, tickets through www.humanitix.com/nz, just search for
Singing, Saying, Moving, Playing

Canterbury NCEA level 1 face to face and online support group meeting
2024-02-29 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Shirley Boys’ High School, 209 Travis Road, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8083, New Zealand
Canterbury and Westland Secondary Music Teacher’s Association NCEA Level 1 support group initial meeting.
Initial in person meeting includes lunch, and then monthly and online after that.
Come to swap resources, share ideas, and exemplars from last year’s pilot program.
Our first meet-up is on Thursday, February 29th, at 1 pm at Shirley Boy’s High School. We’ll chat in person, then set up an online platform for future meetings from 4 pm to 4:45 pm.
Check out the form linked below for more info and to let me know you’re interested:
Form Link

Vivaldi 4 Seasons Autumn Interactive Concert
2024-03-10 14:00 - 16:00 UTC | Mount Pleasant Centre, 3 McCormacks Bay Road, Christchurch, 8081, New Zealand
Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust of New Zealand & Julie Wylie Musical Play present
VIVALDI 4 SEASON’s Autumn INTERACTIVE CONCERT FOR CHILDREN 0-8 YEARS OLD*
Children and their parents can experience the magical sound of baroque music through listening, watching and dance using variety of props including organza, streamers, ribbons and scarves. Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a beautiful venue with great outside scenery and playground.
Tickets on Eventfinda and at the door – Cash Only. Running time approx. 45min

Sun 10 Mar 2024, 2:00pm–2:45pm – up to 3 years
Sun 10 Mar 2024, 3:15pm–4:00pm – children 4-8years

For more information, please email: bmcetnz@gmail.com
Venue:
MT PLEASANT CENTRE, Christchurch
3 McCormacks Bay Rd
* recommended age group, but open to any age

Safer Spaces in Music Education (SSME) workshop - Christchurch - 15 March 2024
2024-03-15 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | The Village Community Centre https://villagechurch.nz/bryndwr/
MENZA is thrilled to be partnering with Safer Spaces in Music Education (SSME) to present this very important workshop. It is made possible by funding from the Networks of Expertise, and the workshops are for all music educators. There is only room for 30 participants, so be in quick! It’s a perfect opportunity to get together with other local music teachers and food is included. You will also be able to receive a PLD certificate.
The ‘Professional Respect’ Workshop is a bespoke training designed to support Worksafe’s Health&Safety guidelines to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The Professional Respect training day has been developed in conjunction with SoundCheck Aotearoa and are based on a similar training that has been rolled
out across the screen sector.
The full-day training is friendly and interactive and the content includes:

Definitions of sexual harassment and sexual harm within New Zealand legislation
WorkSafe obligations and legal requirements for workplaces
Guidance for receiving disclosures of sexual harm and supporting survivors
Options and pathways for reporting sexual harm and support services available
Strategies for preventing sexual harm and fostering a respectful work environment
Practical tips for bystander intervention.

The day starts at 8.30 for tea and coffee, with an opening karakia at 9am sharp, and runs through until 5pm. Breaks and refreshments/lunch will be provided. The training days are facilitated by sexual harm prevention and response specialists Rachel Harrison and Mel Calvesbert, who are experienced practitioners in sexual harm prevention and response and they will ensure that the discussion is safe, constructive and respectful. There will be no requirement to share personal information in the workshop. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss how to attend or contribute in a safe way, please contact Judith.

Judith Bell (bell.judith@gmail.com) will be the liaison and host for this workshop.
Venue: The Village Community Centre, 365A Ilam Road, https://villagechurch.nz/bryndwr/
Please register so that we can make the necessary arrangements for catering and resources and so we can keep in touch about the day and provide the information. Click here to register.
Thank you for supporting this initiative!
Quote from male attendee: “Safer Spaces workshop was a day well spent. I was quickly put at ease and had a really fun and valuable day, and learnt some really useful information. The presenters were excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone in the music and arts field whether a teacher or performer or director”
Professional Respect Training Workshop – Facilitator Biographies

Melanie Calvesbert (she/they)
Mel was born, grew up and lives in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington). She is Pākehā and in October 2022, made the leap to self-employment. The primary focus of her work is working alongside communities and organisations as they seek to both respond well and prevent all forms of sexual harm including sexual harassment in workplaces and child sexual abuse.
Immediately prior to self-employment life, Mel worked at the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Initially this was as one of their small team of regionally based Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Advisors (SAPRAs) and then as the Manager for the SAPRAs.
Prior to the NZDF Mel worked for the most part in NGOs who have a focus on the response to sexual harm, including WellStop and the Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation.
She enjoys being able to take prior learning and adapt that in order to be able to support organisations which have taken on the challenge of creating safer and respectful environments.

Rachel Harrison (she/they)
Rachel Harrison comes from the Coromandel Peninsula and currently lives in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington) and works with organisations and communities across Aotearoa to help prevent sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence and child abuse.
Rachel believes that harassment, violence and abuse are preventable and that the best solutions are tailored to each specific community and workplace, making use of their strengths and minimising specific risk factors.
Rachel started at Auckland Rape Crisis in the 1990’s, and since then has worked at Netsafe, the Hauraki Family Violence Network and Child Abuse Prevention Services Hauraki. She is now self-employed and works with a range of public and private sector organisations including the New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Rugby, the screen sector, performance sector and music community as they work toward making their communities safe and free from harassment and abuse.

MEC AGM
2024-04-06 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | Christchurch School of Music (CSM), 100 Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
We welcome you to attend Music Education’s annual brief AGM.
It’s a great chance to catch up with other music educators over a provided afternoon tea, to hear updates from local music education providers and to see what MEC’s been up to. The AGM will only last around 40 minutes, with the reminder of the time dedicated to networking and afternoon tea.
Please RSVP by filling in the AGM attendance form (Complete with links to the agenda and incoming reports).

He Waiata Whakataukī workshop with Sean O'Connor
2024-06-15 13:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Christchurch School of Music (CSM), 100 Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
Enrich your music education, singing and Te Reo with new songs from the wisdom of whakataukī – Māori proverbs.
Learn round singing, movement and instrumentation with Sean’s Waiata Whakataukī compositions – crafted for children’s voices and playability on ukulele, guitar, pitched percussion and orchestral instruments.
Add to your existing music teaching or build a whole new music programme around these songs, resources and methods, as creator Sean O’Connor has done in two schools. An immersive experiential workshop with detailed written and audio/video resource support during and after the workshop.
For all levels of musical expertise.
Sean O’Connor 2024 MEC poster

Level 1 Orff Course - Christchurch
2024-07-08 - 2024-07-13
Level 1 Christchurch

Date: Mon 8th- Sat 13th July 2024,
8.45 – 4.15 pm Monday to Friday,
8.45 to 2 pm Saturday
Venue: Christchurch School of Music,60 Ferry Road,Christchurch
Orff New Zealand Aotearoa is offering a Level 1, 6-day workshop, the successful completion of which achieves ONZA certification (Level 1) in Orff Pedagogy. The Level 1 workshop is a gentle, experiential introduction to the practices and principles of the Orff approach. The approach is appropriate to the needs of both specialist and generalist teachers working in early childhood, primary, intermediate and lower secondary school and community settings

Inquiries re the course: Jo Charman, Dr. Millie Locke

Celia Stewart lives in Christchurch where she is Music Director of the Christchurch School of Music and runs music classes for preschoolers and junior school children. She provides professional development in early childhood and primary music throughout Aoteroa and is co-director of a local children’s music festival Strum, Strike and Blow. Celia has been involved on the board of both MENZA and MEC and is South Island rep on the ONZA committee. She has completed four levels of Orff Schulwerk training, Level 1 of Kodaly training and is a member of the Orff Levels teaching team. In 2019 she was awarded an MNZM for services to music education. Celia plays flute in the Christchurch Concert Band, recorder in the Christchurch Recorder Ensemble and sings in local world music choir Acapellago.

Renee Morin The Orff approach was part of Renée’s music education training in the 1990s in Canada. She completed postgraduate study in the Orff approach to music and dance education at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria in 2010-2011. She is an experienced Orff facilitator with a particular interest in movement and dance. She holds a Masters degree in music education from Canada and she lives in Wairoa, Northern Hawkes Bay where she teaches music part-time and also privately.

Jo Charmanhas been a Music and Drama specialist in primary, early childhood and tertiary environments, and currently teaches music at Wakaaranga Primary in Auckland. Singing in choirs and musical theatre from an early age fostered a love of performing Arts, and the creative and integrated approach of the Orff Schulwerk drew Jo in. Jo tutors in the Orff teacher training courses, the ONZA mentoring programme, and facilitates Primary Schools Workshops, enjoying every opportunity to see teachers supported and music programmes developed in schools

Fees: (A deposit of $200 needs to be paid on enrolment with the balance fully payable by 1st July )

Members: $600

Non-members: $640

Late fees (from 1st June, 2024):

Members: $710

Non-members: $750

To apply for or renew ONZA membership go to the Membership page.
To register and pay for Level 1
Register your name and details online

Level 1 course July: click HERE

Then, use your own Internet banking facility to make a direct deposit into the ONZA account at BNZ 02 0248 0073940 097 (Reference: Your surname; Code: L1CH24). Entering your surname means you will be registered. Payment by credit card is also available during registration.

Strum Strike and Blow 2024
2024-08-15 | Wolfbrook Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8042, New Zealand
Strum Strike and Blow
Thursday August 15th, 2024
Strum, Strike and Blow is an exciting amalgamation of the ChCh Marimba Festival and ChCh Uke Fest which will feature over 1,200 students playing marimbas, ukuleles and recorders. The Festival is run by Music Education Canterbury and Christchurch Civic Music Council and is in its 12th (and 11th Festival) year and is held in the Wolfbrook Arena (formerly Christchurch Arena).
Once schools have registered they are given access to the music which will generally involve 5 individual pieces for ukuleles, recorders and marimba and a massed item for all three groups of instruments.
The music caters for all levels of experience and when performed live at the festival event, is backed by a professional band.
We run workshops for teachers and have plenty of rehearsal material available.
We have a full rehearsal on the day between 9:30am-1:15pm at the arena for all participating schools with the accompanying band.
Schools will have the opportunity to perform together in a 75 minute family-friendly concert on August 15th 2024 from 7pm-8:15pm.
Schools can register for this festival through the registration page (click here).

Aurora Festival
2024-09-05 - 2024-09-07 | The Aurora Centre, Greers Rd, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8053, New Zealand
Orchestras and Concert bands Sept 5, 6
Big Bands Sept 7
Aududicators
Dr Rob McWilliaims
Dr Patrick Shepherd
Vincent Hardaker
Pablo Ruiz Henao

SECRET SONG - MEC celebrates 50 years
2024-09-30 17:15 - 20:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Lumiere Cinemas, 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand
You are invited to a movie night
Monday September 30th (the start of the school break!)

as Music Education Canterbury (MEC) celebrates 50 years 1974-2024
5:15pm mix and mingle
6pm “The Secret Song” (brought back to show in NZ by popular request)
Tickets available from lumierecinemas.co.nz/movie/the-secret-song
$10 tickets (MEC/MENZA price)
$20 full price

About the movie
For over four decades, Doug Goodkin nurtured the innate musicality in children as a pre-k through 8th grade music teacher in San Francisco. Dropping in on what would turn out to be a tumultuous final year of teaching, “The Secret Song” gives an intimate view into Goodkin’s teaching approach, the vibrant impact it has on students and alumni, and the value of musical improvisation in navigating real-world challenges.
A lifelong musician, Goodkin “loved learning, but hated school.” He seeks to teach children differently than the traditional lessons he was raised with. After a chance exposure with an alternative approach to music education in college, Goodkin would devote his life to teaching music in an accessible and enjoyable way. Goodkin’s time-tested methods are thrown into disarray as the COVID-19 pandemic forces the school into remote learning three months before Goodkin’s planned retirement. A program which once prioritized group-learning, movement, dance, and instilling music “through the ear, not through the eye” has to adapt to an online format. Goodkin’s close colleagues and friends, James Harding and Sofia Lopez-Ibor, who will take over the music program in his wake, share his heartbreak at the possibility he will not get a proper send off.

Christchurch Big Band Festival 2024
2024-10-24 00:00 - 2024-10-28 23:59 (Pacific/Auckland) | Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
The Christchurch Big Band Festival is a five day music festival held every Labour weekend in Christchurch.
• It brings fresh musical vibrancy to the streets and venues of Ōtautahi, Christchurch in spring, attracting thousands of listeners to exciting toe-tapping entertainment all around the city.
• Running since 2006, the CBBF is run by the community for the community and is the only Big Band Festival in New Zealand.
• Accessibility is a kaupapa of the festival with mostly free performances.
• Bands from all over New Zealand gather in Christchurch to play Big Band style jazz providing performance opportunities for around 500 musicians in 20 – 25 groups across 60 scheduled performances.
As well as all the performances, there are workshops for youth and all ages. Run by Rodger Fox and his special guests.
Junior Jazz Jam, an event for Primary school aged jazz bands runs on the Thurdaay afternoon.
There is an early childhood interactive jazz education show on Thursday morning with ECE experts and a live jazz band.
There’s a parade led by Ambush Brass that anyone is welcome to join in with, and jazz jam nights.
See details, registration at https://www.chchbigbandfest.com/. Specific event details will be updated from May on.
Registrations close April 30th for big bands, but workshops and ticketed events will be live until the event unless sold out prior.

Working with Neurodiverse Students
2025-03-23 14:30 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | The Village Community Centre https://villagechurch.nz/bryndwr/
Yiyi Ku and Julie Wylie Sunday 23rd March, 2.30pm – 5.00pm
The Village, 362a Ilam Road, Bryndwr
$20 IRMTNZ members
$30 Non members
Please register using the link below.
Working with Neurodiverse Students
The neurodiversity paradigm is a framework for understanding human brain function that considers the diversity within sensory processing, motor abilities, social comfort, cognition, and focus as neurobiological differences. This diversity falls on a spectrum of neurocognitive differences. The neurodiversity paradigm argues that diversity in neurocognition is part of humanity and that some neurodivergences generally classified as disorders, such as autism, are differences with strengths and weaknesses as well as disabilities that are not necessarily pathological. Neurotypical individuals are those who fall within the average range of functioning and thinking. 2.30 – 3.00 Yiyi Ku – My Journey with Kodi Lee – How I became his piano teacher, how I taught him, and what teaching him has taught me.
3pm Afternoon tea break
3.30 – 5.00 Julie Wylie – Working with Neurodiverse students
Julie will talk briefly about the neuroscience of musical play, key aspects of understanding the sensory needs of a person with neuro-diversity and how teachers can adapt their music to suit their students’ needs.
Julie will then present three case studies of children on the spectrum. Each one is very different but provides a clear understanding of how music can be used to help these children to make sense of their world and to restore order from what is often a very unpredictable and chaotic world.
She will then give short interactive improvised examples with other players on the keyboard showing ways that teachers can play alongside their students, giving rhythmic and melodic support to whatever the student creates.
Julie will then show us some simple improvisational techniques of how she has supported students she has worked with over the years at the Champion Centre.
Yiyi Ku is a pianist and teacher. She grew up in Christchurch, studied with Maurice Till and Deidre Irons, and received a Master of Music with Distinction from University of Canterbury. After graduating, she taught piano at Rangi Ruru and St Margaret’s College, before moving to the US in 2005. Yiyi also holds LRSM, Permanent Certification from Music Teachers National Association (USA), and Advanced Certification from Royal Conservatory of Music (Canada). While living in the US, Yiyi pursued extensive professional development, attending numerous state and national conventions on piano pedagogy, teacher training courses, including Dalcroze Institute at The Juilliard School, as well as private lessons with master teachers. She was also an active collaborative pianist, and was Principal Pianist at Temecula Valley Symphony Orchestra for many years. One of Yiyi’s former students is NZ composer Salina Fisher. Most recently, Yiyi has taught another world famous student – Kodi Lee, a blind and autistic musical savant who won America’s Got Talent. Yiyi moved back to Christchurch with her husband and daughter in 2022. She continues to teach many US students online and has a thriving local studio.
REGISTER HERE

MEC AGM 2025
2025-04-06 14:00 - 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Christchurch School of Music (CSM), 100 Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
We welcome you to attend Music Education’s annual (and final) AGM.
Date – Sunday, 6 April
Time – 2 pm 4pm
AGM 2pm-2:40pm
2:40-3pm afternoon tea
3pm workshop
Venue – CSM Office , 100 Fitzgerald Ave

Workshop – “Practical and fun music theory using the power of numbers seamlessly from birth to tertiary level” by Judith Bell and Julie Wylie
It’s a great chance to catch up with other music educators over a provided afternoon tea, to hear updates from local music education providers and to see what MEC’s been up to. The AGM will only last around 40 minutes, with the reminder of the time dedicated to attending the workshop, networking and afternoon tea.
Please RSVP by filling in the AGM attendance form (Complete with links to the agenda and incoming reports).

Sun, moon and stars with music with Christoph Maubach – Christchurch
2025-06-14 09:00 - 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Chisnallwood intermediate School, 76 Breezes Road, Christchurch, 8061, New Zealand
Sun, moon and stars with music with Christoph Maubach – Christchurch

June 14, 2025
9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Venue: Chisnallwood Intermediate Music Suite,76 Breezes Rd,Avondale Christchurch
Songs, instrumental play and words give rise to creative music and movement in this workshop. Imagery derived from songs about the sun, the moon and the stars form the starting points for musical creations. Participants will find ideas and musical activities directly applicable to the primary classroom. Songs with ukulele accompaniment, classroom percussion, fun-filled rhythm building, and movement are part of a colourful oeuvre.
Christoph Maubach

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Waikato)
Master of Education (Melbourne)
Diploma of music and movement education (Orff-Institute, Salzburg)
Christoph, a former music education lecturer (University of Waikato), internationally recognized workshop leader, and Board member of the IOSFS (International Orff Schulwerk Forum Salzburg, Austria), has led workshops in Taiwan, China, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Christoph’s music education work is anchored in the Orff Schulwerk Approach and is suitable for children, families and adults alike. His sessions link fun-filled creative activities that develop insights into how music ‘works’.
Enquiries: email office@onza.nz

Details
Price
Qty

ONZA Member
$60.00 NZD
Quantity 0 1 2 3 4 5

Non member ( includes one year Membership)
$80.00 NZD
Quantity 0 1 2 3 4 5

Full Time Student
$30.00 NZD
Quantity 0 1 2 3 4 5

REGISTER HERE

Songs and Games for Children - A Kodály Inspired Approach
2025-07-05 10:00 - 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre, 455 Hagley Avenue, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
Songs and Games for Children – A Kodály Inspired Approach
With Loren Easterbrook
Saturday, July 5, 10am – 4pm
455 Hagley Avenue
$90/$70 (low income)
Loren Easterbrook currently works as a music specialist at Belmont Primary school. She has a Bachelor of Music in Jazz composition and arranging and has worked as a music teacher for many years in New Zealand and Australia.
She is inspired by the Kodaly concept of music teaching and believes music is for everyone!
This workshop will feature many of Loren’s favourite games and activities for Primary music from absolute beginners as well as how to extend activities for different ages and abilities.
Loren is passionate about making music education both fun and rigorous, helping students achieve high levels of musicianship, musical literacy, and enjoyment of music!

Register here

Strum Strike and Blow 2025
2025-09-03 19:00 - 20:15 (Pacific/Auckland) | Wolfbrook Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Addington, Christchurch, 8042, New Zealand
Strum Strike and Blow
Wednesday Sept 3rd, 2025
Strum, Strike and Blow is an exciting amalgamation of the ChCh Marimba Festival and ChCh Uke Fest which will feature over 1,200 students playing marimbas, ukuleles and recorders. The Festival is run by Music Education Canterbury and Christchurch Civic Music Council and is in its 12th (and 11th Festival) year and is held in the Wolfbrook Arena (formerly Christchurch Arena).
Once schools have registered they are given access to the music which will generally involve 5 individual pieces for ukuleles, recorders and marimba and a massed item for all three groups of instruments.
The music caters for all levels of experience and when performed live at the festival event, is backed by a professional band.
We run workshops for teachers and have plenty of rehearsal material available.
We have a full rehearsal on the day between 9:30am-1:15pm at the arena for all participating schools with the accompanying band.
Schools can register for this festival through the registration page (click here).

French Circle Dances and English Country Dances
2025-09-07 13:00 - 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | WEA Canterbury Workers’ Educational Association, 59 Gloucester Street, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand
French Circle DancesHere we will learn simple dances from Renaissance France. These dances have easy tunes which can be sung or played by the tutor/students on recorder and drum.

English Country DancesMoving on from the French Circle dances, we will learn medium difficulty-level English dances first published in 1651. These dances have easy tunes which can be played by the tutor/students on recorder and drum.

About NicolaNicola joined the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) while she was studying at the University of Canterbury. This diverse group of historic re-enactors exposed her to many aspects of European culture, including cooking, crafts, martial arts, music, and dance. After their dance master moved back to Australia, Nicola began teaching the weekly dance classes for the SCA, a volunteer position which lasted thirteen years.

Cost – $30 per person.

Please register using this link https://forms.gle/7KGQ99t8SawWCVG47

Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival 2025
2025-10-23 00:00 - 2025-10-27 23:59 (Pacific/Auckland) | Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
The Christchurch Big Band Jazz Festival is a five day music festival held every Labour weekend in Christchurch.
• It brings fresh musical vibrancy to the streets and venues of Ōtautahi, Christchurch in spring, attracting thousands of listeners to exciting toe-tapping entertainment all around the city.
• Running since 2006, the CBBF is run by the community for the community and is the only Big Band Festival in New Zealand.
• Accessibility is a kaupapa of the festival with mostly free performances.
• Bands from all over New Zealand gather in Christchurch to play Big Band style jazz providing performance opportunities for around 500 musicians in 20 – 25 groups across 60 scheduled performances as well as a Big band Boogie Ball.
As well as all the performances, there are workshops for youth and all ages as well as a jam night and parade to join in with.
Junior Jazz Jam, an event for Primary school aged jazz bands runs on the Thursday afternoon.
See details and registration at chchbigbandfest.com. [Registration is through a portal – if you have played other years, you just login and
Specific event details will be updated from late May on.
Registrations open late February and close May 3rd for big bands, but workshops and ticketed events will be live until the event unless sold out prior.

Taonga Puoro weekend: Rapaki Marae, Ōtautahi
2026-02-20 17:00 - 2026-02-22 15:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Rāpaki Marae, 37 Rapaki Drive, Te Rāpaki-o-Te Rakiwhakaputa, 8971, New Zealand
Nau mai haere mai ki te ao Puoro.
Welcome to the world of Taonga Puoro in the world of Tangata Moana.

Please fill out the registration form if you would like to attend a Taonga Puoro wānanga at Rapaki Marae, Christchurch.

Details:

Venue: Rapaki Marae, Christchurch
Dates: Friday 20th 5pm – Sunday 22 February 2026 3pm
Powhiri: 5pm
Koha: a gift to Mana whenua – Can be a taonga, money or tradtional rongoa
Cost: Koha to MENZA
Facilitators: Kelly Kahukiwa, Horomona Horo, Wiremu Sarich

What to bring:
– Blanket
– Pillow
– Appropriate clothing
– Instrument (could be a Taonga Puoro, Guitar, Harp, Trumpet, Stone, Spoons – kei a koe, up to you)
– Shell, Stick, Stone kei a koe te tikanga, it is up to you how big or small.
– Bring lots of questions
– Be open minded

Noho Marae:
We are limited to 40 spaces, so a confirmation email will be sent out by December the 1st.

Please arrange your transport to and from Marae, full catering is provided

MENZA Organisation Contact: admin@menza.co.nz
Wānanga Contact: Christian McDonald chris.mcd@hotmail.co.nz 0224161353

To secure your place, please register here.

The Power of Musical Play
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, 5 Downing St, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8025, New Zealand
This two hour interactive practical Musical Play workshop is based on Julie Wylie and Dr. Susan Foster Cohen’s recently published book “Unleashing the Power of Musical Play” Routledge Publishers England.
It will help participants to gain understanding about Julie Wylie’s philosophy of Musical Play through practical exploration of how to follow the child through improvisation, specific use of the elements of music. use of sung instructions and narrative songs. There wil be an emphasis on exploring the importance of musical play to human development and human relationships within families, in schools, early childhood settings, and in therapeutic contexts. Musical play can enrich communities, bring people together from different cultures, through intergenerational music, and support individual and community well being.
BOOK NOW
Date: Saturday April 18th
Time: 10 am-12pm
Venue: Hoon Hay Presbyterian Church, 5 Downing St, off Lewis St which is off Hoon Hay Rd.
Fee: $60
To register: Please email jcwyliemusic@gmail.com before 11 April.
Payment should be made to the following account. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A DIFFERENT ACCOUNT FROM THE ONE YOU PAY CLASS FEES TO.
Account Name: Julie Wylie Institute of Musical Play Limited
Account No: 02-0828-0131676-000
Particulars: 180426
Reference: Your name

Julie Wylie MNZM founded the New Zealand Musical Parenting Association in 1992. She was the founder of the musical play programme at the Champion Centre, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand, where she was the senior music specialist for twenty eight years. Julie has been invited to present music workshops and papers in many countries, including Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland. She has received awards for her music leadership, and her music resources have won international awards. Julie was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours. She has her own music school for mothers and babies and children aged 0-8 years founded in 1990 and is the Director of the Postgraduate online training programme: “Certificate of Musical Play as Therapy”.

Loopy Tunes Preschool Music - Workshop for Educators
2026-04-22 08:00 - 2026-04-23 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Greymouth: Wed, 22 Apr, from 1-2.30pm, at Tai Poutini Polytechnic
Darfield: Thu, 23 Apr, from 1-2.30pm, at the Darfield Recreation Centre
Workshop fee is $46 per person (booking fee, optional)
We are excited to offer a workshop for kaiako | educators | musicians | volunteers | children’s music enthusiasts to come along to, to learn more about the mahi that we do, the resources we have to offer (and how we use them in our classes), and more!
The following is what the workshop will include:

A focus on deconstructing the music classes we run
Sharing the different ways we use the bilingual songs that we create
Lots of group discussion, using it as a time to share resources with each other
Some Q&A time towards the end of the workshop
Some “brain food” (aka. light nibbles) to help encourage some good discussons! Please email us directly if you have any food intolerances that we need to consider.
A certificate of completion to add to your professtional development kete!

We are Siu Williams-Lemi and Leah Williams-Partington, a sister music duo, based in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, who specialise in bilingual Māori children’s music, who have been running community preschool music classes for over 15 years. These classes are a HUGE part of our “why” and we are grateful for the opportunity to not only share what we have learned along the way, but to also offer a space to share together with other kaiako in the same field. As with any of our performances, this will be very interactive and we will have you all up and enjoying a kanikani and singalong with us… more than once!
Here is some feedback from previous workshops:
The workshop provided excellent new ideas and served as a great reminder that even small efforts can make a big difference!
Lovely ladies. Inclusive, welcoming, and valuable sharing of ideas. Fabulous waiata – wonderful resourced – it is special that so many children get to hear their own languages and therefore feel seen, heard, included and valued.
Leah and Siu were both so lovely to talk to in person and so down to earth. I got so many great ideas for how to run music sessions with my preschoolers. Thank you so much!
Thanks for being so generous in sharing your music and mahi! Awesome for someone like me who is not so musically gifted but know the importance of it for our tamariki
