Music at NIS
For many years Nelson Intermediate has been renowned for its student-centred music programme, where students can elect to learn one or more musical instruments while at school.
Professional tutors specialising in all areas of instrumental music come and teach at school - which has led to success in competitive musical events such as Bandquest.
It is well documented that learning a musical instrument is key to developing self-esteem and all the satisfaction that creating music brings. Playing in bands develops a sense of empathy, unity, listening and social skill. Our students love this feeling of belonging and it is with a great sense of pride that we watch their development.
Ākonga have access to two types of music tuition: affordable group music lessons targeted for beginners, and individual private music tuition with a range of tutors.
Group Music Lesson Enrolments
Spaces are limited in the group music lessons and priority will be given to ākonga who have had little access to music lessons in the past. These group lessons will be provided by two fantastic tutors - James Wilkinson (guitar) and Paul Clayton (percussion/drums, ukelele, bass).
Enrolments to Term 1 2025 Group Lessons are now open via. REGISTER HERE
Registrations close at 5pm on Friday 31st January - Payment MUST BE MADE BEFORE ENROLMENT CLOSES to be placed in lessons.
An email will be sent home confirming the tutor and time of the lesson before the start of the term.
Individual Music Lesson Enrolments
Booking for individual music lessons is done directly through the tutor. Please see below for details of tutors providing individual music tuition:
Liz Buchanan - Piano / Vocals
Email: buchanan.liz201@gmail.com
Phone: 021 617 261
I love teaching music and have been teaching piano and vocals for over 20 years. I like to teach all styles, pop, rock, blues and classical, learning to read the music, and create songs too. I like to cater to the students' different learning styles, keeping open to their needs and different approaches to styles of music.
Reagan Poynter - Brass / Guitar / Bass Guitar / Drums / Full Band Mentorship / Music Production
Email: thesounddispensarynz@gmail.com
Phone: 021 025 42426
I am a National Brass Band representative, Professional Music Producer with Sony Music Publishing, multi award winning Broadcaster and Producer, and creator of The Sound Dispensary Music group - https://www.youtube.com/@thesounddispensary3076
James Wilkinson - Acoustic Guitar (nylon string and steel string) / Electric Guitar
Email: jmwilkinson69@gmail.com
Phone: 021 033 3392
I have played guitar for 45 years. I encourage creativity and exploration along with tuition across all musical genres, from folk to pop/rock; classical to metal. “Fun First!” is one of my mottos. I believe in the transformative power of music. 🎶
Kaylee Burnett - Piano / Guitar / Singing / Songwriting / Drums / Bass / Music Production
Email: kayleeb.music.official@gmail.com
Phone: 027 568 7887
I’m 25 and have been teaching music for 6 years. I’m in bands and I gig during the weekends. I’m passionate about teaching kids up to date ways on learning music, whether it’s learning an instrument or learning how to write songs. I love showing them how easy it is to write/record your own stuff while only using a computer at home. I will be offering 2 days a week of work at Nelson Intermediate in 2025.
Annabelle Laing - Flute / Piano
Email: totaral31@gmail.com
I am very experienced with all levels from beginner to Tertiary level and have been teaching at NIS and in the wider community for many years.