Wellington
Saxophone Lessons | Clarinet Lessons, Flute Lessons | Artist development, Aural Lessons, Ensemble Coaching, Theory Lessons, Composition Lessons, Jazz Improvisation Lessons, NCEA Music Tutoring, Online Lessons
Bio
I am currently offering sessions in Wellington. I’ve recently been based in Los Angeles undertaking a Fulbright Scholarship and completing a Master of Fine Arts at California Institute of the Arts. Please get in touch if you are interested in having some high quality lessons!
A bit about myself:
Hello! My name is Eilish and I am an experienced saxophone, clarinet, and flute teacher based in Wellington. In 2015, I completed an Honours degree in Jazz Performance at the New Zealand School of Music, gaining First-Class. I have taught privately, itinerantly at St Patrick’s College (town), and Aotea College (currently), and in an Artist Teacher role mentoring first year students in the Jazz Performance Programme at New Zealand School of Music.
In the past few years, I have been on the adjudicators panel for youth competitions such as the National Youth Jazz Competition (Tauranga), New Zealand School of Music Jazz Project, and the Manawatu Jazz Festival. I have been involved with running big band and saxophone workshops around the country for the Rodger Fox Big Band Jazz Gala tours. I currently play in the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band.
I’ve also had the great opportunity to tour nationally alongside a diverse range of high profile New Zealand and international artists, including Trinity Roots, The NZSO, Steve Gadd, and Dick Oatts. I played in the famed Rodger Fox Big Band from 2016-2021. As a result, I gained a wealth of experience, both locally and internationally.
My experience as a musician and educator is extensive and has been propelled ever further by completing a Master of Fine Arts at California Institute of the Arts. During this my time there, I studied with Stephen Lehman (who was mentored by renowned jazz musician Jackie McLean), and Paul Novros (mentor of prolific saxophonists such as Ravi Coltrane, John Coltrane’s son). These experiences have vastly enhanced my approach to teaching. I am enjoying implementing my improved pedagogical knowledge and overall passion for helping other people into practice.
I studied arranging and composition with David Roitstein (Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny, Carmen McRae, Frank Sinatra), who founded the jazz program alongside Charlie Haden. Under his guidance, I worked as a Teaching Assistant, aiding undergraduates with transcription projects, and saxophone lessons.
I am passionate about excellent musicianship and helping others to reach their musical potential, in a way that suits their needs and desires.
Teaching Info
I teach musicality, improvisation, technical skills, practical music theory and performance skills. I aim to maintain an ongoing conversation with my students about their musical goals and interests in order to help them develop in areas they wish to pursue as musicians. Lessons are positive and focused on getting the best out of each individual student and their broader musical goals.
I am interested in and have performed a wide range of music, and encourage students to explore and work on music which they find most enjoyable.
Eilish was a true inspiration for my daughter. She remains her all time favourite teacher. Her gentle manner and sense of humour made learning the clarinet fun and helped my daughter connect to the joy of music.
