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.
Save the Date – Annual Conference 2020
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.
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
IRMT Northland Scholarship Class
$500 prize
Set music is Bach Two-Part Invention No. 6
“no repeats please”
Upcoming Events
Sun 17 Nov – Mini recitals, Old Library (IRMT event)
Sun 30 Nov – Soiree, Cafler Suite, Forum North (IRMT event)
Sun 1 Dec – WYM End of Year Concert, Forum North
Sun 8 Dec – Christmas Concert, Old Library (IRMT event)
For IRMT events, door charge adults $5, children free.
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
Eight members were present at the last meeting on 6th September, which ensured an hour and a half of lively conversation and the exchange of ideas. We ranged from a fairly new teacher to a retired teacher, so we had a balance of experience and new approaches. Topics covered included senior theory; pencil marks on music in exams; dealing with difficult parents in the studio and through the exam entry process; practice and use of the app “Note ush” as a challenge for pupils, and Riverlea Theatre as an exam centre. The group is proving very good in giving us creative strategies to deal with problems, and courage to see new things through.
Next meeting: Friday 1st November at 11am at Theobroma Coffe Lounge, Chartwell.
Adult Students’ Performance Evening
Tuesday 19 November at 7:30pm
At the home of Judy Utting (please RSVP by 18th November)
Parking on road
All adult students welcome, open to all music genres. This is a wonderful chance for adult students to perform in a non-threatening atmosphere.
Supper to conclude the evening.
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.
Dates and times are:
Sunday 24 November 10 am to 3 or 4 pm
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
Cost: $20 per person
Please RSVP to Christine by 22nd November
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
See also BOP Coming events newsletter – Aug 19
Workshop with Melody Deng: Interactive Teaching Games for the Modern Studio
Saturday 9 November 2019 1pm – 4pm
Wesley Church, 13th Avenue, Tauranga
Melody will combine a technology & games workshop with a Fit 4 Piano seminar and workshops and Masterclass using Fit4Piano games.
Melody Deng is a pianist, international presenter, adjudicator and a passionate piano educator. With more than ten years of professional piano teaching behind her, she is proud to have nurtured many students who have become life long music lovers and musicians.
IRMTNZ Members $25; non members $30 (if paid by November 2nd)
or $30/$35 if paid after November 2nd.
To enrol, email Colette
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
2019 Dowse Performing Arts Group Concerts
At the Lower Hutt Little Theatre, (Senior Students) from 4 pm: 3rd November.
Anyone wishing to join the Dowse Performing Arts Group and present their students in these concerts please contact the Secretary: Theodora Lee-Smith or 04 971 8536
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.