We hold regular events at both national and branch level, which both members and non-members can attend.
You can also find details of events held by our colleagues in music education here.
Annual Conference 2020 – Early Bird Registration ends 15th November
16-19 January 2020
Bridging Cultures: Beethoven 250 and Beyond
King’s College, Otahuhu, Auckland
Convenors: Sarah Watson and Dianne James
Celebrate the Beethoven 250 year in style with a Conference in which his monumental legacy of music will be the springboard for an enriching smorgasbord of lectures, concerts, masterclasses and workshops. With our own internationally-renowned NZ String Quartet in residence, NZ pianist Stephen De Pledge providing the piano expertise, and sessions for woodwind and voice teachers, there will be something to satisfy all interests.
More details on the Conference 2020 website page.
Make sure you register by 15th November so you can take advantage of Early Bird Rates
Our annual conferences are a great way to network with like-minded colleagues.
The 2019 Conference “Southern Themes and Variations” was held in Dunedin in January.
Read the inaugural Judith Clark Memorial Address that was given by Emeritus Professor John Drummond – see also Presenter’s biography.
Northland Branch Events
Mini Recitals and Scholarship Class
Sunday 17 November, Old Library
Session Times: 1:30pm, 3pm
In this concert, players are auditioned by three selectors. The selected students are expected to perform in the Soiree on 30th November.
The Scholarship Class is at 3pm (in the second session of the mini recitals)
Pianists, vocalists and instrumentalists Grade 5 or above, are eligible for participation.
Candidates must bring a well-presented CV and a copy of the music for adjudicators on the day.
All entries must give the following information to Atsuko Fukuoka by 9th November:
– player name, age, grade
– name of item and the composer
– piano, vocal or name of instrument
– which session (1:30pm or 3pm) to enter
St. Cecilia Day Celebration
Thursday 22 November at 7pm at Carol Martin‘s home (please email her for details)
Mature performers are invited to come and perform for the celebration. Please bring a plate of finger food to share.
Christmas Concert
Sunday 8 December at 1pm at Old Library
Entries to Dora Harkness by 4th December.
Save the Date….2020 Events
All at Cafler Suite, Forum North
Saturday 2 March – First Concert
Sunday 21 June – Non Competitive Festival
Sunday 9 August – Memory/Beginner’s Prom
Sunday 22 Nov – Mini Recitals
Saturday 28 Nov – Soiree
Sunday 13 Dec – Christmas Concert
Chamber Music Contest 2020
Tuesday 2 June at St John Golden Church
Northern Regional Final: Sat 20 June
FINAL in Wellington Fri 7 and Sat 8 August
Auckland Branch Events
IRMT Auckland Branch Scholarships Weekend
New Zealand Women Composers
Saturday 12 October at 3pm
St Barnabas Church, 283 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden
Geoffrey Hinds will give a piano recital of works by New Zealand women composers.
Admission by programme – Cash only please: $25 waged or $20 unwaged with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Support.
Please contact Geoffrey if attending – phone 09 630 3267 or email
Thelma Gordon Memorial Awards
This is a reminder that the Thelma Gordon Awards are available in the following categories:
Scholarship Award of $1000.00 to be given to the candidate with the highest mark in the ATCL Teaching Diploma. The Pass mark must have been attained.
Scholarship Award of $1000.00 to be given to the candidate with the highest mark in the DipABRSM Teaching examination. The Pass mark must have been attained.
Scholarship Award of $500.00 to be given to the candidate with the highest mark in the ABRSM Grade 8 Theory examination. A minimum mark of 80 (Merit) must have been attained.
In the event of more than one candidate attaining the same mark, the Award will be shared equally between the recipients.
Candidates must have been studying with or being mentored by an IRMT Auckland Branch teacher at the time of entering the examination in 2019. See Thelma Gordon Scholarship Grant for more details.
The Thelma Gordon Teacher Training Grant of $360 is awarded to successful applicants undertaking the Teacher Training Foundation Course run by IRMTNZ.
This is an initiative from the Auckland Branch to encourage those teachers less experienced to further develop their teaching skills. The Grant is made possible through the Thelma Gordon Memorial Bequest and covers the full cost of the three parts of the Foundation Course. Applicants must have been taught or mentored by an IRMT teacher in Auckland, preferably within three years prior to the application. The minimum practical standard must be Grade 8 and working towards a Diploma, University Music Degree, or a Post-Graduate course for Instrumental teaching. Applicants must be residing in the Auckland area.
Auckland Teachers Forum
Auckland Branch runs Teaching Forums hosted by Susan Smith and Fiona Bygrave. Excitingly, we now have many more new, young and innovative teachers joining the Institute, so are hosting Mentoring sessions. For details of the next forum, please email: or call 021 2652 628
Student Performers Groups
North Shore – St Aidan’s Church 97 Onewa Road, Northcote
Enquiries: Melody Deng
Selwyn – St Luke’s Church, Remuera Road
Enquiries: Sharon Martin 09 528 3878 or
Eastern – Howick Children’s Youth Theatre, 29 Granger Road, Howick
4pm on 2 Nov
Festival to be held at All Saints Church, Selwyn Road, Howick
Enquiries: Susan Theron 021 0291 272 or
Mediant – St Cuthbert’s College Performing Arts Centre, Room 203 Market Road, Epsom
2:30pm on 10 November
Enquiries: Geoffrey Hinds 09 630 3267 or
Southern – Old Central School, 57 Wood St, Papakura $5 per family
Saturdays 19 October at 4:15pm; 23 November at 4:15pm
Enquiries: Gina Sanders/Fleur Chee or
Hibiscus Coast
dates to be confirmed
Enquiries: Louise Lamb 09 427 5212 or
Other Auckland Events
Waikato Branch Events
Music Teachers’ Support Group
The final meeting for the year was held on 1st November and we had a vibrant and informative meeting with 8 teachers present.
Looking ahead to next year, we are always on the lookout for a cafe which has a quieter place, nearer the middle of the day, or can also use people’s homes.
Any comments or ideas appreciated – please contact Alison or Linda.
Exam Practice Available at Riverlea Theatre
Anne Nisbet has once again liaised with Riverlea Theatre and arranged practice for students of IRMT teachers who are sitting Trinity exams.
Remaining dates and times for 2019 are:
Sunday 1 December 10 am to 3 or 4 pm
15 minute slots for $5. Email Anne to book your slot(s).
End of Year Lunch at Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens Cafe, Friday 29 November at 12 noon
Menu: Warm Yorkshire puds crammed with chicken and leek; mixed cube cut Wimbledon style club sandwiches; warm mini croissants stuffed with cheddar, ham and tomato; marinated chicken skewers with satay dipping sauce; mini chocolate eclairs and cream puffs; tea selection and Kona coffee
Cost: $20 per person
Please RSVP to Christine by 22nd November. Payment to the branch with booking, contact Christine for bank account number, or cash on the day.
Interested in Volunteering to Play Piano at Waikato Hospital?
Volunteering and playing the piano in the main auditorium on L1 and/or OPR2 which is the rehabilitation ward for older people
Why not get together a group of your students and organise a “mini concert” for patients and visitors?
Contact Krasi May if you are interested
Waikato Branch Piano
IRMT Waikato owns the piano at the Chartwell Co-operating Church. It is available for use by members for a nominal amount. Contact Christine for details.
Useful Links for other music events in Waikato
Creative Waikato Events: www.creative_waikato.co.nz
Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts events: www.waikato.ac.nz/academy
Bay of Plenty Branch Events
Music Club
Friday 22 November 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Informal wine and cheese evening (there will also be non-alcoholic drinks) to get together and share stories of the year and aspirations for 2020!
Koha $5-$7 cash to pay for refreshments, and wear your favourite Christmas hat, shirt etc if you feel like dressing up… the best musical Christmas clothing item or accessory will win a prize!
Contact the branch secretary for address and to RSVP for catering purposes by 19th November
End of Year Function
Sunday 15 December from 5pm – BBQ with partners/spouses.
At Kathy Stewarts’ home – RSVP to confirm numbers and for the address by 7 December
There will be a $10 charge per person which will cover BBQ goodies and juice/fizzy. BYO salad or dessert and alcohol.
Branch Kawai Piano
Members are reminded that the piano, housed in the Village on 17th Ave hall, is available for use. Hall hire has to be arranged separately with the Village.
BOP financial members $20 for personal use by members. This includes student concerts. NB This does not apply to members accompanying soloists/groups who are
performing in fund raising activities for other organizations
Examination Board Activities $75 per half day – (that is a morning, an afternoon or an evening.) NB – Practice time for examination candidates is free when booked through the
examination board.
General $75 per half day – $140 per full day
Rehearsal Time – $50 per half day. There is no fee payable if rehearsing for an official IRMT function, e.g. master classes, seminars, scholarship.
For further information or booking please contact Adele Dickinson
Rotorua & Taupo Branch
Facebook page
Institute of Registered Music Teachers Rotorua
Hawkes Bay Branch
Gisborne sub Branch Events
Taranaki Branch Events
Taranaki Branch Young Musician of the Year
Saturday 26 October 7pm St Andrew’s Church, Liardet Street, New Plymouth
Door charges: $15 adult; $10 senior citizens; students free
Featuring performances by:
Frances Chow (Violin); Dunja Colic (Flute); Eleanor Grieve (Voice); Clara Hadlow (Flute); Anthony van Hameren (Piano); Kim de Vantier (Flute)
Adjudicator: Guy Donaldson MA (Hons) Dip Mus Dip Tchg AIRMT
Guy Donaldson studied with Maurice Till and subsequently in London with Paul Hamburger and Roger Vignoles. He has taught at secondary schools and in private practice, and is well known as a teacher, adjudicator, pianist, music coach and conductor.
Taranaki Branch Student Recitals
All recitals are held at St Andrew’s on Liardet, New Plymouth. Entry is by donation.
Sunday 8 Dec 1:30 pm Convenor: Elaine Schreiber
Please send the convenor the following details no later than 3 days in advance:
– name of performer, title of piece and composer, approximate length of piece
– name of accompanist if applicable
In the event of a full programme, we may not be able to accept all items so be in quick to secure a place for your students!
Manawatu Branch Events
Instrumental Performance and Competitions
J Holmes Runnicles, Junior/Intermediate
Monday 28 October (Labour Day)
Closing date: Saturday 12 October
Adjudicator: Ingrid Culliford
Music VIVA Manawatu and Palmerston North Rotary Club Young Performers’ Competition 2019
Pianoforte, Vocal and Instrumental Finals
Monday 12 October 7:30 pm, Evelyn Rawlins Room, Square Edge
Entry for non-Music Viva members $5.00
Globe Theatre Sunday Matinee Performances
2:30 pm, Admission by donation (recommended from $5)
27 October Luke Welch, Piano
17 November Musica Viva Performers
Organ Power Series
Dates: 13th November, 11th December.
The venue (until St Andrews in the City reopens) is the Central Baptist Church on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 12.15 pm – 12.45 pm.
The title of the series ‘Alla Danza’ features dance orientated pieces from England, Ireland, Scotland, the Iberian peninsula, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe, Africa and the South Pacific. The concerts are free. Refreshments provided and donations invited.
Wellington Branch Events
Check our Upcoming Events at http://irmtwellington.org.nz/upcoming-events/
Wellington Branch Book Chat
Near the end of Term 3 the Book Club met to discuss Michael Griffin’s manual Developing Musical Skill for Students. All agreed they found it a helpful reminder of what we learned some time ago when we read Learning Strategies for Musical Success. We have decided that Term 4 promises to be a very busy time for us all, so we will not meet again until the first term next year.
Our first book to discuss in 2020 will be Chopin’s Piano: A Journey Through Romanticism by Paul Kildea. This book focuses on the history of Chopin’s 24 Preludes, the instruments on which they were played, and the pianists who interpreted them. Wanda Landowski has a particular role in the story told.
Members are encouraged to read this readily available book, and to consider playing some of the Preludes. It is envisaged that when we meet our discussion will be supplemented by some participants playing preludes
Wellington Piano and Instrumental Group (WPIG)
Provides inexpensive opportunities for students to perform in public, in a semi-formal, friendly atmosphere. Concerts last about one hour followed by light refreshments.
St Paul’s Lutheran Church 12 King Street Mt Cook (off Adelaide Road, near Pizza Hut).
At the door option: $9 family / $3.50 adult / $2.50 student / under 5 free
Annual fee option: $25 family / $10 adult / $6 student Allows performance and attendance at all concerts
Sunday 3 November 3pm – Children’s World and Open. Contact Glenda Craven or Rosemary Bromley
Freemasons Lankhuyzen/Whetu-Kairangi Music Award
For music students with a connection to the Wellington Region
For more information about this award, please see: http://www.themasons.org.nz/cdiv/trustlankhuyzen.html
Practice Venue
Expressions, Upper Hutt – a unique practice venue! Have students preparing for the higher grades, or diploma levels? Need to have a run-through before the big day? Students will now be able to practice on the Steinway Grand Piano at the Expressions Arts & Entertainment Centre, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt. Times must be booked in advance by emailing or phoning Michelle on 527 2163.
2020 International Young Artists Festival
The 2020 New Zealand International Young Artists Festival website is live now: www.nziyaf.com. All IRMT teachers are welcome to participate in the festival public
events, free of charge! Students who are interested can enter online at the website.
Monday 20th January is Piano Celebration Day, featuring various piano events with a concert in the Adam concert Room.
The organisers would love to invite IRMT teachers and students to perform at the concert. See the website for more details!
Christchurch Branch Events
IRMT Student Recital
Saturday November 9th 4pm Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Merivale Lane Theatre
This is a great opportunity for students of branch members. We welcome not just pianists. but string players, woodwind and vocal students. Come and play your exam pieces or just something you would like to share with everyone.
Admission: $5 per student performing which the teacher is asked to collect. Maximum 5 students per teacher and only one piece each.
No door fee; this cost will be covered with the performers’ fee.
Mature Students Concert
Friday November 22nd 7:30 pm at 8 Argo Place, Casebrook
These recitals, especially for our mature students, are a wonderful, friendly and safe opportunity to play a piece in front of a small friendly audience. We welcome instrumentalists, singers, duets and small ensembles as well as pianists. Please bring a cake or dessert to share after the recital.
Branch Christmas Lunch
Sunday December 1st at 12 noon, Option Bistro, 158 Hussey Road, Styz Mill, Northwood. The cost is $35 per person for the Christmas Lunch set menu which includes a main and a dessert. You will be able to pay at the desk after your meal. Register before Monday 25th November.
IRMT Use of Facilities at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School
The IRMT piano owned by the Christchurch branch is currently being used by Rangi Ruru School in one of their music studios. In return, they are offering reduced rates to any Branch members who wish to make use of the Merivale Lane Theatre for their student recitals.
Hire prices: Merivale Lane Theatre and foyer $75 per hour (includes use of Bosendorfer piano)
P1 (large room in Performing Arts Block with good Yamaha grand $25 per hour
Music studio $15 per hour
All bookings and inquiries to Eddie Cropley, Facilities and Events Manager or visit the school website
Merle Henry Fund
Foundation Course Scholarship which covers 50% of the Registration Fee for an applicant to attend the IRMTNZ Foundation Course.
Criteria for eligibility:
– Must be a pupil of a current IRMTNZ Christchurch branch member
– Be at least 18 years old
– Have attained as a minimum a pass in Grade 8 Practical Examination and Grade 5 Theory Examination gained from any recognised Examination Board
– Be a permanent resident or citizen of New Zealand
The award of this scholarship will be at the discretion of the Committee of the IRMTNZ Christchurch Branch.
For more details including the application form please contact the Christchurch Branch Secretary
Other Events in Christchurch
MENZA CONFERENCE – MUSIC’19 – REMIX
October 7-9, Christchurch
The national Music Education Conference! Workshops cater from early childhood through to secondary and beyond.
Topics include practical playing, creating, technology, cultural competency, cross curricular, research, individual tuition, classroom and ensembles.
Inspirational keynote speakers in new locations in the heart of Christchurch!
Please go to menzaconference.co.nz for details, registration and workshop submissions!
The Ruby Hay Pianoforte Scholarship – Sunday 20th October 2019 at 2pm
The Christchurch Civic Music Council Inc. invites entries for The Ruby Hay Pianoforte Scholarship
The University of Canterbury School of Music Recital Room, The Arts Centre (entry by South Quad)
Door sales: Adults $20; Students under 15 years $5
First Prize $1000
Runner Up: The Lois Mackintosh Prize $200
Adjudicator: Christopher Tilbury LRAM ARCM, examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Closing date for entries is Friday 4th October at 5pm. Entry forms and conditions available at this link.
Events at The Piano Centre for Music and the Arts
156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
See Events Calendar
Otago Branch Events
Intermediate Recital and Senior Scholarship
Saturday 2 November
Intermediate Recital – non competitive – 2:30pm Mornington Methodist Church, Galloway Street. Please see Int Recital Entry Form and Int Recital Conditions of Entry
Senior Scholarship – 6pm Marama Hall. Please see Snr Scholarship ENTRY FORM and Snr Scholarship CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
Please note the different venues.
Adjudicator: Justine Cormack
Closing date: Monday October 14th.
Composition Competition
Sunday November 10th at 3pm, Mornington Methodist Church, Galloway Street
An afternoon to present awards and hear performances
Adjudicator: Professor Anthony Ritchie
Closing date: Monday October 14th. Please see Composition Entry Form and Composition Conditions
Dunedin Musical Society
Remaining dates for this year are: 20 October
Senior programme 2:30 pm
Teenagers 3:45 pm
Juniors 4:00 pm
Charge: $2 – adults. Children, performers and members – free
Otago Registered Music Teacher Facebook Page
A place for Otago IRMT members to interact online with issues related to our teaching. It is for discussion, questions, wondering, sharing as well as the odd funny or two.
It is a Closed Group, meaning you have to be “accepted” into the group and no-one else can access it.