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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to measures being implemented to control the spread of COVID-19, and Level 4 of the response in place as of midnight Wednesday 25 March 2020, face to face events for at least the next month are unable to go ahead. Some events have moved to online forums that will enable you to continue to stay in touch. Please check directly with the IRMTNZ branch or organiser via email.
Mini Conference April 22-24 2020 POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
The Christchurch Branch of IRMTNZ regret to advise that the Mini Conference which was scheduled to take place from April 22nd to April 24th has had to be postponed until further notice. Our presenters are still keen to share their expertise with us once the current travel restrictions and restrictions around large gatherings have been lifted and we will advise once new dates have been set.
Thank you to all who had registered for this event. A full refund will be made to those who have registered and made their payment. We look forward to your support of this event at a later date and thank you for your understanding.
Save the Date: Conference 2021 POSTPONED TO 25-28 JANUARY 2022
Please see the Postponment Notice for details.
The 2020 Conference “Bridging Cultures: Beethoven 250 and Beyond” was held in Auckland in January.
Northland Branch Events
Upcoming Events
All at Cafler Suite, Forum North
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
Jazz Coffee Group – operating as a Facebook forum
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 Meetings
Friday 20 March – The first meeting of the year will be at Coffee Club, Chartwell (next to Countdown) at 11 am on Friday 20th March. Come and enjoy some morning tea, or a lunch, and have a chance to talk to other teachers about the joys of music teaching, and issues and challenges we face. No set topics this time
Thursday 23 April – The second meeting will be in the school holidays, in the hope of getting teachers along who can’t come on Fridays. Venue to be decided
Contact Alison Littler.
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.
Waikato Branch AGM
Sunday 17th May to be followed by a student concert.
Further details to be notified closer to the event.
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
Accelerando – University of Waikato Junior Music Academy
Wednesdays 6:30 pm – 8 pm March 4; March 25; April 8; May 6; June 3 Open to all piano students and teachers, particularly suitable for more advanced students. Work with Conservatorium of Music Head of Piano Katherine Austin, and some of her Doctoral pianists, on areas including developing technical-musical ease and fluency at the piano, stylistic awareness, use of pedal, musician-ship, memorisation, and looking at news ways to practise and become more focussed in practice. The course is particularly valuable for (‘though not restricted to) those considering taking music to tertiary level.Cost is $30 per class or $125 for 5 sessions. Inquiries to with subject heading “Accelerando”
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
Putting the Pieces Together
Using Theory Knowledge to support performance, sight reading and aural skills
Saturday 29 February 1pm – 4pm at Holy Trinity Church, 12 Henui Street, New Plymouth
A Professional Development seminar with musician, educator and examiner Geoffrey Coker
This will be a lively and interactive workshop demonstrating the relevancy of music literacy to practical skills in the studio and classroom. Highly useful for studio and classroom teachers, and students too. Students welcome.
Please register by Friday 21 February by emailing with your name and number attending and transfer the funds to the Taranaki Branch account (contact branch for details).
IRMTNZ members: $15; Non-members $20; Students $5
Branch Dinner
Saturday 29 February 6:30 pm at Marbles Restaurant, Devon Hotel
Branch Recitals
Dates:
Sunday 5 April 1:30 pm
Friday 12 June 7 pm
Friday 11 Sept 7 pm
Sunday 6 Dec 1:30 pm
All recitals held at St Andrew’s Church, Liardet Street, New Plymouth
Entry fees: $3 per adult; $5 for two adults. Children and performers are free.
Young Musician 2020
Our annual Young Musician awards aim to encourage excellence and raise standards; celebrate our most talented students and share the joy of music
Saturday 19 September 7pm at St Andrew’s Church, Liardet Street, New Plymouth
There are 2 categories:
– Senior years 11-13 at school and up to age 21, recital maximum 16 minutes
– Junior up to year 10 at school, recital maximum 10 minutes
Students will be required to present a balanced programme. Further details to be advised.
Chamber Music New Zealand presents J415
Monday 2 March, 7:30 pm at 4th Wall Theatre, 11 Baring Terrace, New Plymouth
Described as “next generation baroque” Julliard 415 starts the CMNZ season with a bang.
Don’t forget the 5 for $35 ticket offer (one teacher plus four students). $10 student rush tickets are also available on the day.
For more information contact Laurel Bruce at
Manawatu Branch Events
IRMT Student Recital
Saturday 16 May, Evelyn Rawlins Room
IRMT Manawatu Branch AGM
Wednesday 27 May at 7:30pm
IRMT Junior Medal and Intermediate Competitions
Sunday 2 August (whole day) at Freyberg High School
Closing date: 3rd July for Junior/Intermediate Piano and Duets; 4th July for Junior/Intermediate Instrumental & Vocal
IRMT Chamber Music Competition
Sunday afternoon 9 August at Palmerston North Girls High School
Closing date: Friday 24 July
Senior Piano and Instrumental Scholarships
Saturday 19 September, Evelyn Rawlins Room
Closing date: Saturday 5 September
MUSIC VIVA/Manawatu Rotary Young Performers’ Scholarship 2020
Preliminaries: Saturday 26 September
Finale: Monday 12 October 7:30pm
Closing Date: Friday 27 March
Contact: " class="broken_link">Guy Donaldson
Wellington Branch Events
Check our Upcoming Events at http://irmtwellington.org.nz/upcoming-events/
From the Cradle to the Studio: Seminar by Helen Willberg
Nurturing a life-long love and understanding of music in young children and beyond
Sunday 22nd March 2.30 – 4.30pm | St James Church, Lower Hutt
Tickets (payment by cash or online banking): Branch Members $15 | Non-members $20
We invite you to come along to a seminar given by Helen Willberg, who for many years has been involved in research into and promotion of early childhood music education in NZ. The seminar will be of great interest and highly relevant, not just to those involved with early childhood music education, but to instrumental teachers working with students of all ages and stages.
Wellington Branch Book Chat
Thursday 2 April 7:45 pm at Barbara Campbell‘s home. (Email to RSVP and for address)
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
Fit 4 Piano with Rae de Lisle
Saturday 16 May. Time and location to be advised.
We are very fortunate to be able to host Associate Professor of Piano at the University of Auckland Rae de Lisle, for a discussion about her newly released book Fit 4 Piano (available in hard copy or digital format). This book is the result of many years of research into the easiest and most natural way of playing the piano, and is accompanied by video demonstrations of the techniques described. Rae will show us how to use the book in lessons and how best to avoid stiffness from the earliest years of playing, as well as working hands-on with several students to demonstrate some of the ideas from the book.
Piano Plus Festival & Recital Competition 2020
26-28 June at Queen Margaret College
This year we have decided to combine both the Piano Plus Festival and Recital Competition over the same weekend, to make the most of having our lovely adjudicator Rachel Church here in Wellington. This will be held at Queen Margaret College, with the Piano Plus Festival running from the afternoon of Friday 26th June until the end of Saturday, followed by the Recital Competition on the Sunday.
Class 1 – Preliminary
Class 2 – Grades 1 & 2
Class 3 – Grades 3 & 4
Class 4 – The Wellington Piano & Instrumental Group Class: Grades 5 & 6
Class 5 – Grades 7 & 8; Class 6 – The Judith Clark J S Back Class – open
Class 7 – Duos, duets, ensembles – Junior (age 13 and under)
Class 8 – Duos, duets, ensembles – Open (age 13 and over)
Class 9 – Recital competition – open
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).
Dates: Sunday 10 May 3pm; Sunday 21 June 3pm; Sunday 16 August 3pm; Sunday 13 September 3pm; Sunday 1 November 3pm
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
New Piano Group
Please contact Ahila James if you are keen to join a piano performing group for all registered IRMTNZ teachers in the Otago area. The
piano can be a lonely instrument and, in the midst of organising all our student recitals, exams and so forth, we teachers often find ourselves lacking the opportunity to perform, let alone get up to standard with our playing. This group is meant for us to share
our enthusiasm of music with each other in a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. The idea is to for people to volunteer to host these meetings once a month at their homes.
Otago Branch Professional Development Day and AGM
June 13th, more details to be advised
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.