Itinerant Music Programme

At Wellesley, we are delighted to offer our boys the opportunity to extend their love of music and singing through our Itinerant Music  Programme.

Music lessons take place during school time including breaks, and also before and after school, depending on arrangements with individual tutors and in conjunction with class teachers.

Commitment to daily practice at home in between lessons is a requirement of tuition and is essential for progress. Boys who have the ability to do so are encouraged to contribute to the life of the school when they are ready by performing at assemblies, joining the school orchestra, rock-band, choir or other music groups which may be running.

In order to minimize interruptions to class programmes and to ensure as many boys as possible have the opportunity to partake in lessons, boys may learn one instrument only during school hours.

To enrol your son in music lessons, click here.  Parents will be contacted directly by the teacher concerned regarding lesson times and availability.

Meet our Itinerant Music Teachers

Grace Ashworth-Lawson

Piano Tutor and School Orchestra

Grace Ashworth-Lawson

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Qualifications: BMus (Composition) with Film Scoring Specialisation

I am a Wellington-born composer, artist, and teacher of music. I received my Grade 8 Certificate in Piano Performance from Trinity College London at the age of 17 and went on to graduate with a BMus in Instrumental/Vocal Composition at Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music.

Alongside my work teaching privately and as an itinerant tutor at Wellesley, my career is enriched by my passion for filmmaking and film composition. My scores have featured in films that screened in various national and international festivals, such as Fringe (2022) and the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (2024).

I strongly believe in providing fun, immersive lessons that are adaptable to all individual learning styles. My lessons equip students with the essential building blocks of knowledge to start or progress them on their personal musical journey. I teach students with methods uniquely suited to their strengths and abilities, while fostering performative elements of exploration and play.

I offer tuition in piano performance and music theory at beginner–intermediate level. I also offer comprehensive preparation towards Trinity College London piano exams.

Jenni Champion

Violin Tutor

Jenni Champion

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Qualifications: BMus(Hons), Grad.Dip Tch.Ln, A.Mus.A

I am passionate about teaching by the Suzuki Method.  My aim is to develop the ability of every individual to find joy and beauty in music and a love of learning.

Students have weekly individual lessons plus group lessons and a concert each term. There are also wonderful camps and workshops available to students through membership with the New Zealand Suzuki Institute.

I began Suzuki violin lessons at age 4 in Sydney. Later I studied at the Conservatorium of Music, University of Hobart with Jan Sedivka and was a member of the Australian Youth Orchestra and Camerata. I have been fortunate to have played with Tasmanian Symphony, Christchurch Symphony, Orchestra Wellington and New Zealand Symphony.

Lessons are available for Years 1-8 students at Wellesley College. In the Suzuki method, parents/guardians are involved in attending lessons and supporting practice at home.  I look forward to meeting your son and working with you.

Peter Elliott

Drum Tutor

Peter Elliott

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QualificationsB.Mus (jazz drumming)

I have been the drum tutor at Wellesley College for the past 10 years, and currently teaching students in Years 5-8.

I have a flexible approach to teaching and aim to make lessons, student centred, enjoyable and productive.

After learning to play drums at the age of 14, I went on to gain a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Drumming (2003 NZSM) and have been fortunate enough to be taught from the masterful teacher Chris O’Connor and from renowned NZSM tutors Roger Sellers and Lance Phillip. I’ve continued to develop my skills through teaching and playing regularly.

I am an active musician and perform in multiple bands and jazz trios. I regularly take part in New Zealand jazz festival events, and play in local venues and restaurants.

I’m able to facilitate all sorts of styles and teaching techniques, including: Jazz, Rock, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Funk, Soul R&B, Hip Hop, Drum n Bass, Electronic and many more.

I have my own teaching studio and also provide tuition at years St Marks Church School, Onslow College, Wainuiomata College and Samuel Marsden Collegiate.

Sonia Green

Piano and Music Theory tutor

Sonia Green

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Qualifications: Masters of Music in Piano Performance. Member of IRMTNZ  (Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand)

I studied Piano Performance and Composition at Shanghai Music Conservatory, before completing a Masters degree in Piano Performance at Victoria University in 2005.  I have worked with national orchestras and also accompanied in many competitions.

I am a member of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers and have been teaching students since 2005.I also taught piano and chamber music at the Northwest Minority University in China from 2011-2013.

I provide tuition in practical piano and music theory from beginners to advanced level.

I find much joy in teaching boys from Years 1-8 at Wellesley. I aim to help students achieve a high standard of attention to musical details, in a relaxed environment tailored to individual needs. Many of my students have won awards in regional competitions and achieved excellent results in ABRSM exams. My students are also eligible to attend Suzuki events.

I believe there are many benefits learning an instrument and I seek to provide opportunities for students to explore the God given gift of music and achieve their best.  My goal is to help students to build perseverance, confidence and an appreciation of beauty and art.

Rob Joass

Guitar tutor

Rob Joass

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Qualifications: I have 25 years experience as a guitar teacher and have been a professional musician most of my adult life. I also teach at Scots College, Queen Margaret College and privately. 

I have been teaching guitar at Wellesley for about 20 years now. I currently teach students in Years 5-8 and I am also the tutor for the Year 8 Rockband.

My main focus is Contemporary Rock and Pop Guitar (Acoustic and Electric), but I also incorporate music selections from all genres, so students can expect to study pieces from the world of blues, folk, classical and jazz as they progress, as well as contemporary and classic rock artists such as Ed Sheeran, Led Zeppelin, Foo Fighters etc.

Students are encouraged to bring along their own favourite songs for study, as I have found this to be a very effective way of helping students engage in their lessons and to see practice as a thing to enjoy, rather than a chore.

Sarah Lineham

Voice coach

Sarah Lineham

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Qualifications: BA (English Literature); BMus (composition); Diploma of Musical Theatre

I love that moment in teaching, when someone discovers that they can do something they never thought was possible, and I’m passionate about helping my students make those discoveries. I believe they are more open to learning if they are singing music they love, so the technique is worked in around the excitement of singing their favourite songs. I also like my students to explore different styles of music, just in case they discover a new passion they never knew about before.

I am a practising singer and actor and have worked in many capacities for stage, film and television both as a singer and vocal coach.  I currently teach students from Years 5-8 at Wellesley.

Chris Selley

Brass tutor

Chris Selley

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Qualifications: I started my music career as a musician in the Royal Green Jackets (British Army), serving for 6 years.

I have been playing professionally/semi-professionally since 1980, with many private students over this time.

After moving to NZ, I joined the Wellington & Hawkes bay (7th Battalion) Territorial Force Band serving for over 20 years, finishing my time as Bandmaster.

I still perform regularly in many ensembles including the Rodger Fox Big Band.

I have taught brass instruments in nine Wellington Schools since 2001.

My approach to teaching is through encouragement (with a good dose of humour thrown in), to make learning enjoyable, so the students want to progress, rather than learning being a chore. I think self-motivation is a key for all aspects of life, a lesson I learned from my time in the Royal Green Jackets.

Due to the physical nature of brass instruments, I prefer to teach from Year 5 upwards.

Elsa Shih

Piano Tutor and School Orchestra

Elsa Shih

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Qualifications: MMus, member of IRMTNZ (Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand) and the Lower Hutt DPAG group

I had my musical training in the UK where I studied my MMus degree at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. My musical career includes being the former Co-Principal Flute of the Shaanxi Symphony Orchestra and Principal Piccolo in the Guiyang Symphony Orchestra, providing me with extensive symphony orchestra experience.

Now residing in Wellington, New Zealand, I enjoy performing with the Wellywind Trio and other chamber groups. I regularly participate in lunchtime concert series and perform at Wellington’s popular music festivals, Classical on Cuba and CubaDupa.

In addition to my performance career, I am a dedicated and passionate teacher. I am a registered IRMTNZ music teacher and an active member of Lower Hutt’s DPAG group. I love inspiring the younger generation to appreciate and enjoy music. My students have excelled in exams and music festivals, and I provide numerous performance opportunities for them. I encourage participation in workshops and performances to foster their growth as musicians.

I take great joy in seeing my students enjoy the beauty of music and gain confidence through their musical journey. My teaching philosophy centres on nurturing each student’s individual musical path, providing a supportive and enriching environment. I aim to cultivate perseverance, confidence, and an appreciation for the beauty of music. I enjoy teaching at Wellesley and look forward to continuing to inspire and guide my students.