Hazel grew up in a small town called Brightwater in Nelson, and is now living in Wellington studying at Victoria University and the New Zealand School of Music.
Hazel is a really passionate musician who has been making music since her primary school days. She began guitar lessons when she was eight, and continued for ten years until she left home, winning awards in the Nelson Performing Arts Competitions and achieving Grade 6 Classical Guitar with Merit in 2007.
When Hazel was eleven she joined a school choir and had so much fun that she's been singing in choirs ever since, including the Waimea College premiere acappella group Belle a Cappella, the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir, and currently the Wellington Youth Choir and the New Zealand Youth Choir. Apart from her involvement with guitar and choirs, she has had lessons in piano, cello and bass guitar, and has been having solo singing lessons for the last four years.
Music is Hazel's life, she loves it, and is really excited to be part of Encore so she can inspire others to share her passion!
"Hazel is our daughter Emily’s singing teacher. She is knowledgeable, patient and has a wonderful relaxed manner. Emily has really enjoyed having Hazel as her singing teacher." Sharon Veale
"As a teacher, Hazel has been awesome. Each class is always fun. You may feel a bit odd at times, but it definitely works!" Carl Non, singing student
Ray is a man who has a lot to offer music-wise. He loves to share his passion for music and see other musicians progress.
Ray loves meeting new people and like many musicians in the industry, enjoys jamming with other musicians whenever he has the opportunity. He spends his weekends gigging with his band 'Stickmen' in many different bars/pubs around Wellington, as well as playing for his church music team.
Ray has played the guitar since intermediate and has been a professional musician over a period of 15 years as a bass player. He has had years of experience performance-wise and has studied music since finishing high school.
Ray has plenty of experience teaching music to people of all ages, on guitar, bass guitar and band groups.
Living in Wellington has been a huge benefit to Ray as a musician and music teacher. He believes Wellington has the highest music standard in Aotearoa New Zealand and is so excited to be a part of Encore! School of Music.
"Ray is an outstanding musician and has honed his skills through years of practice and performance, education and teaching. He is dedicated to quality musicianship. He constantly pursues new techniques and skills, and devotes much time to excellence in his work."
- Jessica Graham, Music Director, Wellington Elim Church
"Ray is a warm-hearted and friendly person, with a natural gift for music. He is always happy to be part of a team, and he is unfailingly pleasant in his interactions with staff and other students. I think he would make a good teacher and recommend him to you."
- Nick Tipping, Head of Jazz, New Zealand School of Music
