James has recently moved to New Zealand from the UK, and has a wide range of skills and experience to offer as both a brass teacher and ensemble mentor.

M.Mus., ATCL, LTCL, Dip.Tchg, AIRMTNZ, Dip.Legal.Exec.

Originally from Hastings, but now resident in Dannevirke, I obtained LTCL in Piano and Theory of Music studying with Marie Stothart. In 1996 I graduated with a Masters Degree in Performance Cello from the University of Canterbury. Following an ‘O.E.’ I was a secondary school classroom music teacher for nearly ten years. I am also a recently qualified Legal Executive.

I focus on the classical cello repertoire and theory of music with an emphasis on ABRSM examinations. Although these exams are not compulsory, my teaching is generally structured around the development of those skills: pieces (which I accompany at the piano) and the inherent note-reading and understanding of key centres, scales and arpeggios, sight reading and aural. I am also happy to assist with chamber music and NCEA assessment material.

My expectations of students include that they continue to progress by remaining engaged and forward-thinking. It is also helpful if they are well-prepared for each lesson, both musically and practically. These efforts will lead to autonomy and life-long skills as well as proven benefits in other areas of study.

Hello, my name is Miss Frances Morgan.  Most of my pupils like to call me Miss Morgan, but a few of them prefer to just call me Frances.  When I was a schoolgirl I loved music so I had lessons in piano and theory from my mother who was an excellent pianist. I also had a wonderful clarinet teacher.  

When I left school I was very lucky to study music in Wellington and Melbourne.  

I achieved some qualifications including FTCL, BMus(Melb) and LMusA.  When I came home I was admitted to the Institute of Registered Music Teachers.

I have always been involved in Music Departments teaching clarinet, piano, theory and saxophone.  I love music because it has been my way of meeting many fantastic people.  I have been able to play in orchestras, chamber music and solos which is both hard work and fun too!  My favourite composer is Mozart and I am still making new musical discoveries every day.

I hope you jump on-board and have as much joy from music as I am still having!

Hi, my name is Matt Baker. I have been fortunate to work as a professional musician over the last 40 years, both as performer and educator in many schools across Hawke’s Bay. This is my 5th year at Iona College. I provide tuition for drums, guitar, bass guitar and bands.

My experience has taught me that fun, creativity and hands-on playing are key to engaging with music, no matter what level of experience. My lessons are designed to stimulate the desire to learn music and achieve students' goals.

• Fees of $315 are paid at the beginning of each term. Payment is required within 7 days of invoice. There are 28 lessons spread across the 4 terms. 
• Enrolment is for one full year. One half-term notice is to be given if a student wishes to cease lessons with a parent's or guardian's permission via email.
• Online lessons are available for additional practice and learning. Or, to supplement lessons missed due to illness, absence, or inability to attend. If a student cannot attend a lesson in person, options may include rescheduling, an online lesson, or a practice video. Rescheduling is subject to the tutor’s availability. Missed lessons are not refunded or credited.
• All teaching resources are provided. Drumsticks are included, and drum sets for use in classes. Guitar and bass students will need their own instrument and tuner for home use. Lessons are 30mins once per week.

For any further information, please contact me directly. I look forward to working with you to encourage, develop and nurture your children’s musical interests.

Kathy is the flute teacher at Iona.

She has a BMus (Hons) and LTCL in flute. She enjoys performing and teaching. She has taught flute and piano for many years privately and in different schools in Wellington and Hawkes Bay.

Her main aim is to have students achieve their goals whether it be exams, NCEA or just playing for pleasure and for them to come away with a lifelong love of music.

After many years in Wellington doing many different things she now lives on an orchard with her husband and 2 dogs with 3 adult children popping in to say hello on a regular basis.

Mark Couper BA ATCL AIRMTNZ
Guitar, contemporary, electric, classical and bass

Since completing his B. A. Mark has worked full and part time as a guitarist, vocalist & bassist. He developed a teaching practice while studying classical guitar in the early 90s, and soon after was admitted as Associate in Guitar to both, Trinity College London, and the Institute of Registered Music Teachers NZ. He has gained a sound understanding of modern & classical music theory, and the biomechanics involved in good technique. His teaching approach, is to go with the direction of student's interests when/if practical, while encouraging them to develop a foundation of good technique
and musical knowledge.

The rudiments of guitar playing and music theory apply to all styles of music. Lessons draw on a wide variety of material, including the Trinity College classical, or contemporary syllabus; and on Mark’s diverse experience, gained playing
professionally/publicly, in jazz bands, rock/pop bands, & playing solo guitar.

Students are encouraged to develop their listening skills/playing by ear, explore (guided) improvisation, and, to develop their own style and voice in music.

While he counts successful musicians and music educators among ex-pupils; his teaching successes, have learnt good posture, a work ethic, have developed more agile neural pathways, enhanced their musical appreciation, and, have skills to use socially or as personal time out.

Chris Beernink is a double and electric bass player, guitarist, and audio engineer based in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke's Bay). A versatile performer and educator, he lectures in music technology at the Eastern Institute of Technology and plays across a wide range of genres, from jazz and contemporary folk to stage musicals and large-ensemble projects.

Chris leads the show band Hush Hush and coordinates the Assembly Concert Club in Hawke's Bay. In 2025 he released The Chimera Suite — an extreme-metal-meets-jazz-orchestra album showcasing his adventurous approach to composition and production. His teaching encourages creativity and versatility; between 2021 and 2024 he taught bass and improvisation at the New Zealand School of Music, and many of his students have gone on to become active performers, engineers, and educators throughout Aotearoa and Australia.

Sarah Lee is a piano teacher originally from South Korea, who moved to New Zealand in 1995. She holds a BA, DipEd, ATCL, and L.Dip.SCSM from New Zealand. With over 10 years of teaching experience at schools, Sarah is an active accompanist, having worked with various choirs, opera groups, and orchestras in Hawke's Bay. While her teaching strength lies in classical music, she also incorporates contemporary pieces based on students' interests.

Hello from Karen... tutor of Modern Piano at Iona College.

The foremost intention throughout my course is to always endeavour to make music a “Happy” occurrence. From the cheerful lesson, wanting to practise without being prompted and enjoying jamming in a band or with family and friends both at school and home.

Pupils can select their own tunes and gradually build up a personal repertoire of their favourites. The Modern approach uses chord structures which create a more full sound plus enables improvisation. Also, it is very useful for singing accompaniment.

As an ‘Old Girl’ of Iona it has been a privilege to return these past fifteen years to pass on my love of music through Modern Piano.

Hello. I am a registered music teacher. I teach piano, voice, and music theory, with 35 years experience. 

Piano lessons are usually 30 minutes weekly, I can guide students through formal examinations with Trinity College London, and prepare for NCEA performances, or simply teach people how to read music and enjoy playing piano.

Voice lessons are usually 30 minutes weekly, including vocal exercises, technique work and learning songs across various genres. Voice students may also choose to spend some time learning to read music through playing piano.

Natalie is a classically trained pianist with 20+ years of teaching and performing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the New Zealand School of Music, and currently works as an accompanist and gigging musician. 

Her lessons focus on strong technique, attentive listening and musical expression, all in a warm and supportive space. Students can focus on classical repertoire, modern music (including playing by ear and improvising), or a mix of both. 

Whether students are preparing for exams or competitions, or simply want to learn for enjoyment, Natalie is passionate about nurturing a lifelong love of music.

Thalita is originally from Brazil, she moved to New Zealand in 2018 with her husband and two children.  She joined Iona College as aViolin/Viola teacher in 2022 and has been teaching for over 18 years.  She achieved her teaching degree in Art Education (Music) from the Federal University of Rio de Janeriro in 2003 and her Bachelor of Music (Violin Performance) from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro in 2008.  She also has been a registered violin teacher of the Suzuki American Association since 1999.

Jill Tobin has plus 40 years’ experience in teaching all ages covering Opera to Music Theatre but not Pop or Rock although am happy to check this for healthy singing.

I specialise in healthy vocal technique which encompasses speech, breathing and learning how to apply core strength to the voice. I use specific exercises which are fun as well as Strengthening and giving the voice flexibility. This is my passion.

I have coached students for Trinity exams both Classical and Music Theatre through the grades and Diplomas with excellent results and through this I teach theory and aural skills. I belong to Institute of Registered Music Teachers so have access to their scholarships and also was a Trustee of the N.Z. Singing School so have had my professional development through the fantastic tutors engaged for the 11 day school.

Young adults today need to know how to use their voice so I encourage crossover through the genres. These skills are necessary as they sing along with the everyday pop songs so that they don’t damage their voices.

Jill Tobin Studio of Voice

My love of ballet began as a young student. Knowing by the age of 11 that teaching dance was my destiny.I began my classes in Taupo and then moved to Auckland where I danced full time in the Northern Ballet Company while finishing my final exams in Ballet, Jazz and Tap.

I qualified in Advanced Ballet  and Solo Seal with Honours  (BBO), Advanced and Solo Seal Jazz with Honours (NZAMD),  and Elementary Tap (NZAMD).

I  won a Shell Scholarship to New Zealand School of Dance however accepted a partnership with my former ballet teacher, Audrey MacRae, where we worked together for 4 years.   I then took  a 2 year teaching opportunity in England where I made the most of my time with Ballet and Jazz opportunities before returning to Taupo to open a dance school.   

Following marriage and children I became a full-time mum for 5 years before we settled in Havelock North. For 22 years I have had the wonderful oppertunity to focus on competition work, helping students from Hawke's Bay ballet studios extend there love of dancing with extended work and stage opportunities. I love working with students who are destined for a career in ballet or those who simply want to dance.

I look forward to working with students at Iona and dancing in the fabulous Blyth Performing Arts Centre.

Stacey is from Canada and brings 29 years of dance experience to the Sophie Jean Dance Company. She started teaching at Sophie Jean Dance Company in New Zealand in 2019 & taught dance for 4 years in Alberta, Canada, at MacDonald Island Dance Academy (2014-2018).

Stacey has studied & competed in a range of dance styles from contemporary, jazz, hip hop, modern, tap, ballet, African, Acro and musical theatre at various dance academies. Stacey has trained with the Canadian National Tap Team (2007-2009) & Canadian National Jazz Dance Team (2009), and the Matthew Clark Dance Company, competing in world dance competitions in Germany, Poland and Spain and taking home three gold medals from the experience! She also participated in the Tap Reloaded European dance tour (2010), where she performed in Malta, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

Stacey continued to develop her dance training at the University of Auckland in New Zealand for 3 years (2011-2014). Stacey is also a co-creator and choreographer of The Intro Club, performing contemporary pieces in Fringe in the Stings (Hastings, Hawkes' Bay). She has been teaching private dance lessons at Iona College since 2019. Stacey teaches competition work for soloists/duets & troupes as well.

She is extremely passionate and believes in providing a dance education that is fun, inclusive and inspiring for all ages & levels!