Events

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.

Join us in Rotorua for Conference 2022  “Ako Puoro – From the Lakes to the Geysers”
Venue: Millennium Rotorua
Conference opens evening of 25 January 2022 and concludes in the afternoon of 28 January 2022
See our Conference page for all the details

Northland Branch Events

Chamber Music New Zealand Concerts:  Liam Wooding (piano)

17 July 4:00 pm – 5:30pm at Turner Centre, 43 Cobham Road, Kerikeri

Originally from Whanganui, Liam Wooding is one of Aotearoa’s leading emerging pianists. Performing and commissioning New Zealand music is central to his musical practice.

Programme: 
Douglas Lilburn – Sonata in F-sharp minor
Stuart Greenbaum – Remote Connection
Ludwig van Beethoven – Sonata in C-sharp minor, Op 27 No 2, “Moonlight”
–interval–
Duke Ellington – Reflections
Claude Debussy – Images (book 1)
John Adams – Phrygian Gates

For more information see: https://chambermusic.co.nz/concert/liam-wooding-kke/

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 $400 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

Branch Wine and Dessert Evening with Entertainment

Friday August 6th at 7:30pm at 150 Webb Drive, Hamilton
Partners welcome

Upcoming Recital

NZMEB diploma candidate Kevin Li will perform his exam program for branch members and their students, and any other interested people.
Date: Sunday 8 August from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Venue: Lady Goodfellow Chapel, University of Waikato, Gate 1, Knighton Road, Hamilton
(Please note change of date, time and venue from when last advertised)

Program:
Chopin Fantasie Impromptu
Sinfonia from Bach Partita no 2 in C minor
Beethoven Sonata op 13 the Pathetiqu, 1st and 2nd movements

Entry: $5 per adult, children free

Music Teachers’ Support Group Meetings

The next meeting will be held on Friday 13 August commencing at 10:30am.
This will be held at Mealmates Cafe, Davies Corner, 303 Clarkin Road, Hamilton
These meetings are to provide support for one another professionally by sharing teaching ideas and to provide emotional support if anyone is experiencing a stressful situation workwise or personally.
If anyone has any queries please contact Linda Bell.

Annual Branch Scholarships

Saturday August 21 at Chartwell Co-operating Church, Hamilton

Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:
Piano: Senior (grade 6 and above): First $200, Runner up $125
Piano: Intermediate (grades 4 and 5): First $150, Runner up $75
Piano: Junior (grades 1-3): First $120, Runner up $60
Instrumental and Singing: Senior (grade 6 and above): First $200, Runner up $125
Instrumental and Singing: Junior (grades 1-5): First $120, Runner up $60

Time limits for performers: the repertoire requirement for all performers is to present a balanced programme.
Programmes may not exceed the time limit, including breaks between pieces, but may be shorter. 
Piano and Instrumental: Seniors – max 20 mins for a recital programme of contrasting pieces; Intermediate – max 15 mins; Junior – max 10 mins
Vocal: Seniors max of 20 mins; Junior – max of 15 mins                              

Opus Orchestra Performance Dates

Friday 30 July at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Mahy Magic – settings of Margaret Mahy poems and stories

Friday 17 September at St Peter’s Cathedral Hamilton
An evening with Mozart

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

IRMTNZ BOP Scholarship

Saturday 18 September – time to be confirmed
Venue: Wesley Church, 100 13th Avenue, Tauranga

Branch Kawai Piano

Members are reminded that the piano, housed at Wesley Church on 13th Avenue, is available for hire. H
For further information please contact Adele Dickinson

The Tauranga Amateur Variety Concert (TAVAC)

Venue: Tauranga Holy Trinity auditorium, 215 Devonport Road (corner 3rd Avenue)
Presents a variety of musical styles and acoustic instruments performed by intermediate and advanced musicians. It’s an opportunity to support development of the musical arts in Tauranga as well as enjoying a good, generally light-hearted concert with a few “serious” pieces. If you’re a musician, it’s a great opportunity to perform.

Concert Schedule remaining dates for 2021:
30th October – applications open July 30th

For more information, see www.tavac.co.nz

Rotorua & Taupo Branch

Senior Scholarship Event

Saturday 28 August 2021 at Thurston Performing Arts Centre, John Paul College, Rotorua
Registration packs will be emailed in early July to Rotorua Branch members. The closing date for entries is 31 July 2021.

Young Performers Concerts

Rotorua Young Performers Concert 10th September 6:30pm at St Luke’s Church. 
Entries close 3rd September.
Contact Hazel Hausman

Taupo Young Performers Concert 19 September 2pm at St Andrew’s Church Lounge
Entries close 10th September

Adult Performers Concerts

Start 7:30pm at St Chad’s Communication Centre Rotorua, $5 per family
Next dates:
11 August 
8 September 
10 November

Showcase Concert

28 November at St. Luke’s Church 2pm

Dr Barry Smith Memorial Instrumental Scholarship

Rotorua Civic Arts Trust has recently launched a new instrumental scholarship in memory of Dr Barry Smith. If you have students who you consider might be eligible and interested, they can find details, and apply online via the Rotorua Civic Arts Trust website. Applications close on 31 October 2020, and will be considered at the November trustees’ meeting – with the award being made to the successful applicant in December 2020. 

Facebook page

Institute of Registered Music Teachers Rotorua

Hawkes Bay Branch

Gisborne sub Branch Events

Taranaki Branch Events

Young Musician 2021

Saturday 25 September
Alexander Room, TSB Showplace, Devon Street, New Plymouth
Adjudicator: Ingrid Culliford
Entries close Wednesday 4 August

Junior section: for years 8-10 students
First prize $300 scholarship for music lessons

Senior section: for years 11-13 students
First prize $1,000; Second prize $300; Third prize $100

IRMTNZ Taranaki Branch Recitals

All recitals will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, 12 Henui Street, Fitzroy, New Plymouth
Remaining dates for 2021:

Friday 17 September 7pm
Convenor: Sue Lupton

Sunday 28 November 1:30pm
Convenor: Cathy Martin

Entry fees: $3 for one adult ($5 for two adults); $1 per child, performers free
Please bring cash to help cover our costs

Please send the convenor the following details no later than 2 days in advance:
name of performer, title of piece and composer, approximate length of item, name of accompanist if applicable

Chamber Music New Zealand 

Fantasy and Romance Friday 27 August, 7:30pm, 4th Wall Theatre, New Plymouth
Breathing new life into some of Schumann and Faure’s most beloved romantic works for chamber ensemble, Melanie Lancon and Bede Hanley pair with the inimitable Stephen De Pledge to whisk you away on flights of freedom, fantasy and romance. Remember CMNZ offers a special $35 deal for the teacher + 5 students. Tickets at ticketek.co.nz or contact

Mercy plays Mendelssohn

Taranaki Symphony Orchestra with guest soloist, Mercy Jones
14 August 7:30pm Theatre Royal, TSB Showplace
Beethoven’s Leonora Overture and Pastoral Symphony flank Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 2, played by talented student, Mercy Jones. Mercy was deservedly crowned Taranaki Branch IRMTNZ Young Musician 2020, and is taught by her mother, Holly Jones. For more information see https://sites.google.com/site/taranakisorchestra/upcoming-concerts

Manawatu Branch Events

Student Recitals 

Any age, any stage. 

Saturday 11 September at Freyberg High School Music Suite
Closing date: Friday 27 August 2021

Branch Chamber Music Festival

Saturday 8 August Palmerston North Girls High School, starting at 10:30am
Adjudicator: Simeon Broom (Wellington)

Branch Competitions

Junior Medal Assessments and Intermediate Competitions: Piano, Instrumental, Vocal
Senior Instrumentals: Runnicles
Sat/Sun 21/22 August 2021, Freyberg High School Music Suite

Closing date: Saturday 24 July 2021
Adjudicators:
Piano and Vocal: Rosemary Bromley (Wellington)
Piano Junior: Christine Archer-Lockwood (Palmerston North)
Instrumental: Belinda Veitch (Wellington)

Second Student Recital

Saturday 11 September, Freyberg High School Music Suite
Closing Date: Friday 27 August
Any age, any stage

Senior Piano – Rawlins Scholarship 

Saturday 25 September at Freyberg High School
Closing date: Friday 3 September 2021

Professional Development Opportunity: Save the Date!

Saturday 25 September: Seminar/Masterclass with Jian Liu (Piano)
At the conclusion of the Senior Piano Scholarship 

Duet Fun-Fest

Sunday 28 November, Freyberg High School Music Suite
Closing date: Friday 12 November
Adjudicator: Myra Smith

OrganPower (Roy Tankersley, Organ)

Wednesdays 12:15pm at Palmerston North Central Baptist Church
11 August: “Feather to Belfries”
13 October: “Talk to the Animals”
8 December: “Angels and Shepherds”

Manawatu Sinfonia

Sunday 22 August at 2:30pm at Speirs Centre, Featherston Street, Palmerston North
Conductor/Piano Soloist: Andrew Atkins
An ALL BEETHOVEN concert. 

Chamber Music New Zealand 2021 Concerts

At the Globe Theatre at 7:30pm, contact Virginia Warbrick

Wednesday 25 August – Fantasy and Romance
Saturday 11 September – Another Night in Vienna

MUSIC VIVA / Manawatu Rotary Young Performers’ Scholarship 2021

Preliminaries: Saturday 2 October, Square Edge 2:30 pm
Finale: Sunday 17 October, Globe Theatre 2:30 pm
Closing Date: Friday 26 March 2021
Contact:

Globe Theatre Sunday Matinee Series 2021

All concerts at 2:30pm with entry by donation (recommended at least $5)

Sunday 29 August – Chris Dann (jazz piano) and friends
Sunday 26 September – Christine Archer Lockwood and Guy Donaldson (piano duo)
Sunday 31 October – TACH Baroque Quartet
Sunday 28 November – Diana Neild (flute) and friends

Wellington Branch Events

Grants and Scholarships

Wellington branch members may apply for a grant from either the Kate Jourdain or Ariadne Danilow bequest funds. See the Wellington branch website for more details. 

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

Wellington Piano and Instrumental Group

St Paul’s Lutheran Church 12 King Street Mt Cook (off Adelaide Road, near Pizza Hut)
At the door – Cost is $3.50 per adult, $2.50 per student, $9 for family (includes 2 adults), under 5 free.
Annual membership – $28 family (includes 2 adults); $10 adult or $6 student allows performance and attendance at all concerts.

Provides inexpensive opportunities for students to perform in public, in a semi-formal and friendly atmosphere. 
Concerts have a maximum duration of 75 minutes, followed by light refreshments.
Any item will be accepted at any concert. All ages, levels and instruments are welcome.

Sunday 22 August 3pm – Anything Goes. Contact Julia Walls or Helen Pollock
Sunday 19 September 3pm – Spring Blooms. Contact Rosemary Bromley or Kristina Zuelicke
Sunday 7 November 3pm – Christmas Magic. Contact Rosemary Bromley or Kristina Zuelicke

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.

Wellington Branch website and Facebook page

More details on our upcoming Events on the Wellington branch website or on the Facebook page 

Christchurch Branch Events

Branch Wine and Cheese Event

Sunday 15th August 5pm – 6:30 pm
This will be an opportunity to celebrate 40 years of continuous membership by some of our members and to make some special presentations. It will be hosted by Dinah Anderson and partners are most welcome. A koha to defray expenses would be appreciated. RSVP to Dinah by August 9th. 

Northern Outpost Recital

Saturday 21 August 4pm, Rangiora Small Theatre
Supported by the Waimakariri Creative Communities

Please send performers’ entries (including name of performer, title and composer of piece, approximate grade level and length of performance) to Jane Jarrett by 13th August.

Retired Members Morning Tea

Monday 30th August at 10:30am
Alison Hansen will be hosting our morning tea  for our retired members. Come along for a slice of cake, a cup of tea and a chat. RSVP to Janey Seed 

Nick Peterson Workshop Day

Friday 15th October 9am – 5pm
Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Helen Kitson Room

9:00 am – 10:30 am Teaching versus Educating – Was my piano tutor a teacher or educator? What about me? Examine diverse instructional approaches that shed light on our own pedagogical practices.

10:30 am – 11:00 am Morning Tea

11:00 am – 12:30 pm Equipping Superior Sight Reading – consider the notions that if we can read our language effortlessly, and if music is a language, why not apply the long established language reading methodologies to dramatically improve music reading?

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Lunch

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Insights to Revitalise Music Teaching – discover the straightforward, appealing, yet hidden gems of knowledge that engage students, capture their imagination and invite the question: “Why wasn’t I taught this?”

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Mastering Rhythm Reading – provide piano students with the ability to effortlessly read rhythms perfectly and instantly, and discover how this ability can dramatically enhance all areas of musical progress

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Afternoon Tea

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Simplifying Complex Meters – a straightforward explanation of tricky time signs to make rthymically vibrant piano music easily accessible to all.

Whole Day: IRMTNZ member $80, non member $100, student $80
Half Day: IRMTNZ member $45, non member $60, student $45
Lunch: $10

To register, use this form 

CSO Big Play Out

Sunday 15th August – Massed Orchestra

Be part of an ensemble of hundreds in the Big Play Out and perform some of the most beloved orchestral repertoire with the CSO. Open to all orchestral musicians of any level 
For details and how to enter see https://cso.co.nz/big-play-out

IRMTNZ Use of Facilities at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School

The piano owned by the IRMTNZ 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

Richard Chandler Memorial Scholarship

This year sadly marks 5 years since the passing of Richard Chandler. Richard was a long standing committee member of the branch, and newsletter editor. He was very well known in the musical community of Christchurch as a bassonist in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and a popular piano teacher. 

The Scholarship is for a student in straitened circumstances who shows musical promise in either piano or woodwind. They will have had at least one year’s tuition on their instrument and be in Year 8 or above. The scholarship will pay a minimum of $750 each year towards tuition costs for private music lessons until the student finishes secondary school. This amount will be paid directly to the teacher. 

If you have, or know of, a student who would fit the criteria, please contact a committee member. The student does not have to have any connection with IRMTNZ to audition, but the requirement is that they learn from an IRMTNZ registered music teacher whilst they are receiving the scholarship assistance. Please contact Katherine Jones for more information. 

The IRMTNZ Christchurch Branch is very grateful to all those who have donated to the fund – your donations will make a huge difference to funding the scholarship, especially whilst interest rates are so low. 

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

Senior Scholarship and Intermediate Recital

August 21-22
Masterclass with Ingrid Culliford

Presentation and Masterclass with Heleen du Plessis

September 25th
Presentation and masterclass for string instrument teachers and students

Presentation and Masterclass on “Romantic Reflections” with Terence Dennis

Saturday December 4 
Followed by Christmas get together for members and their partners

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.

Southland Events