Napier Music Academy

14/06/2026

Hawkes Bay friends! i'm coming to play a special one-off show at everybody's favourite Napier gig haunt, Stage – FRI 19 JUNE (very soon)!

i'm also hosting a songwriting workshop the next day (see below) so, with that in mind, my set is going to take a meander through my entire songwriting catalogue. from some of my earliest musical musings (this could be risky), through Fur Patrol faves (mine and yours) and solo offerings, including sneak peeks at new material from my forthcoming album – Goliath.

i'll be joined by sassy soulster Mon Shelford Music, kicking things off in her own inimitable style!

one night only, this will be fun and we will have it! tickets via https://tinyurl.com/JDPaisley

**songwriting workshop at Napier Music Academy on sat 20th. very limited spaces! for more info check out https://www.facebook.com/events/1383335800282752/**

14/06/2026

We're super proud of our students who reached the Rockquest Regional Final in Saturday....especially as they achieved 2nd and 3rd place! 🤩
Tristin Symes and his band Borne rocked the crowd with a lively performance complete with megaphone and face paint, while Lokojacklins placed 3rd after their ear-catching tunes impressed the judges.
Another big shout to Logan Lewis who received the Musicianship Award
🏆

05/06/2026

Have you thought about teaching and want to take that first step? We're on the look out for a talented and enthusiastic piano teacher 🎹

If you're ready to connect students of all ages and share your passion and skills, or if you know anyone who wants to take their next career step then get in touch with Rob today - 📧 [email protected]
📞 021 305197

03/06/2026

🎶🎹 TEACHER INTRODUCTION! 🎤🎸

Jennifer has studied music throughout her schooling and was a high achiever in the subject. She went on to study and become a primary school teacher. Jennifer has worked around the world in various positions and has been involved with teaching choir to juniors as well as tutoring students for the Eisteddfod (a competition in South Africa).

Jennifer has tutored beginner piano lessons and herself has reached Grade 8 in classical piano. She likes to listen to what each student enjoys and to work with them to develop a love for music, while still teaching the basics to enable each student to be able to read and understand music.

Having recently moved into Hawke's Bay she is excited to work in schools and encourage young students to develop a love for playing an instrument. She is able to teach beginner piano, guitar and recorder.

28/05/2026

TEACHER INTRODUCTION! 🎹🎸🎤🎶

Selene, a recent Belgian arrival to New Zealand, began her musical journey at the age of four, studying classical piano through the Suzuki method. She later earned her higher grade diploma at the Music Academy of Anderlecht in Brussels. Alongside her piano studies, Selene taught herself guitar, singing, and songwriting from the age of 12.

Over the years, she has performed at several weddings in Belgium, sharing her love of music in intimate and joyful settings. Her musical interests are wide-ranging, from neo-classical and cinematic to jazz, pop, soul, disco, and even electro and house.

Selene believes in a gentle, student-focused approach, helping students explore their creativity, discover the styles they love, and fall in love with music just as she did.

14/05/2026

Teacher Introduction Week 2! 🥁🎶

Rob Franks has over 20 years experience in live and studio performance both as a session musician and a touring band member clocking up over 1500 live performances.

While in the UK he toured extensively with tribute bands Badness and Shomaddymaddy and lively party band The Supatones performing at festivals, corporate functions and cruise ships throughout Europe. During this time he also taught drums, guitar and bass at his home studio.
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He studied music performance and composition at Hull College and Popular Music at the University of Wolverhampton and was selected to perform with his tutors at several private functions including jazz ensembles, parties and pantomimes.

He has also recorded sessions for UK original artistes Paul Marklew, Jokerz and Mr Mojo, the latter of which involved performing at Leeds/Reading Festival 2 years running.

During 2010 Rob performed on P&O Cruises as resident drummer for party band Atomic.

Since moving to New Zealand Rob has been a live and studio session drummer for This Flight Tonight and The Buskers, has performed with opera singer Will Martin and toured with visiting Michael Jackson tribute Navi.

Rob is currently managing and performing with function band The Academy and singer/songwriters The Munros while currently working on a Queen tribute show that has performed sell out shows in Napier.

14/01/2026

LOST AND FOUND
As we're moving to a new studio we've found some items that belong to students past and present. If any of these items are yours please email [email protected] letting us know the name of the student and rough date when it was lost 👍🏻

Items must be claimed in the next few weeks then the rest will be donated to an op-shop

12/01/2026

🎉 The 2026 Napier Youth Council is forming, and we’re looking for rangatahi who want to get involved!

If you’re a teen with big ideas, or a whānau member keen to give someone you know a gentle nudge 🙌, it’s a great chance to be part of the team. Youth Councillors help shape projects that make Napier a better place for rangatahi, while building confidence and skills that will stick with you for life.

Applications close next Wednesday 14 January. Jump online for all the details and to apply 👇
https://bit.ly/YouthCouncil2026

13/12/2025

A great opportunity for some future stars 🎭

Rangatahi! Future tech legends!

Want to learn how to run the lights, mix the sound and make the magic happen? Then Toitoi’s Intro to tech is for you! Our FREE Intro to Tech course is your backstage pass to the entertainment industry.

Six weeks of hands on learning in the venue
Learn from industry pros
Build skills to become a future tech legend

Tuesdays, 4–7pm | Feb 24 – Mar 31
Apply before Feb 12: https://www.toitoivenues.co.nz/community/career-pathways/