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 – Please register by 31st December to avoid late registration fees
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 31st December so you can take advantage of the regular rates (otherwise late registration fees apply)
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
Upcoming 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
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
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
Enquiries: Susan Theron 021 0291 272 or
Mediant – St Cuthbert’s College Performing Arts Centre, Room 203 Market Road, Epsom
Enquiries: Geoffrey Hinds 09 630 3267 or
Southern – Old Central School, 57 Wood St, Papakura $5 per family
Enquiries: Gina Sanders/Fleur Chee or
Hibiscus Coast
Enquiries: Louise Lamb 09 427 5212 or
Waikato Branch Events
Music Teachers’ Support Group
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.
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
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
Manawatu Branch Events
Criticism and Feedback: How to take it and how to give it
Maaike Christie Beekman
Sunday 8 March, Freyberg High School, Music Suite.
It is possible that there will be 3 performers (piano, instrumental, vocal) and also audience participation.
First session: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. This session will focus on criticism and feedback and how to use it to our advantage in our professional and personal development.
Afternoon tea
Second session: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. This session will focus on how to apply a growth mindset during practice and performance: taking risks; dealing with failure; taking ownership of one’s development; dealing with obstacles and challenges.
Wellington Branch Events
Check our Upcoming Events at http://irmtwellington.org.nz/upcoming-events/
Wellington Branch Book Chat
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
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 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
Events at The Piano Centre for Music and the Arts
156 Armagh Street, Christchurch
See Events Calendar
Otago Branch Events
The Complete Cycle of Sonatas for Violin and Piano by Beethoven
Performed by Justine Cormack and Kate Boyd. For more information and where to buy tickets see www.listenfeelplay.nz
Programme 1: Cromwell, 7:30pm Friday Feb 14 (Coronation Hall, Bannockburn)
Sonata no. 1 in D major, op. 12, no. 1
Sonata no. 6 in A major, op. 30, no. 1
***
Sonata no. 9 in A major, op. 47 (“Kreutzer”)
Programme 2: Wanaka, 7:30pm Saturday Feb 15 (Lake Wanaka Centre)
Sonata no. 2 in A major, op. 12, no. 2
Sonata no. 3 in E flat major, op. 12, no. 3
***
Sonata no. 7 in c minor, op. 30. no. 2
Sonata no. 8 in G major, op. 30, no. 3
Programme 3: Queenstown, 6:00pm Sunday Feb 16 (Memorial Hall)
Sonata no. 4 in a minor, op. 23
Sonata no. 5 in F major, op. 24 (“Spring”)
***
Sonata no. 10 in G major, op. 96
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.