Janet Dudney

Auckland

Piano Lessons | Singing Lessons | Aural Lessons, Theory Lessons

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• Qualifications: ATCL; LTCLGMT (London); Dip. Executant Music (NZ); Dip. Teaching (NZ); Dip. Waldorf Education (USA)
• Suitability: All ages

Bio

Welcome to Music and More Taupaki.  

Music and More Taupaki offers piano and singing lessons, in addition to aural and theory lessons. Sound Play, Sound Art and Collaborative Sound Bath sessions are also offered, both on and off the premises. Sound underpins music – sound speaks the language of the universe as energy, frequency and vibration. The heart-felt sound activities of Sound Play for young children, Sound Art for young people, and Collaborative Sound Baths for adults foster listening, connection, balance, understanding and wellbeing – see below in the teaching info section.

Beautiful sounds and music have always connected people with their hearts.  As a child, I immersed myself in the sounds of nature and I played the piano because I loved it. Beautiful sounds and music gave me a tremendous sense of connection and wellbeing. After completing my secondary schooling, I entered Teachers College and became a teacher and music specialist in NZ schools. Teaching music was totally different from teaching any other subject – students would share personal things about their lives that they did not discuss at other times. It made me question the power of music. My curiosity prompted me to inquire about music therapy training and I eventually moved to London for further studies. From there, I was given a scholarship to study in America, where I remained for thirty years. I taught extensively and for many years ran the music department at the Nevada City School of the Arts (NCSA) in California.

A colleague very kindly wrote:-

“Janet is simply amazing.  She possesses a unique way of reaching to the heart of things and leading others to do the same.  As a Music Teacher she inspires students to give their utmost, to reach into themselves and become the music, to share the pathos or joy, the rhythm and energy, the beauty and precision that brings the piece to life.  I have seen no one else able to take students to this place of total immersion, total commitment.” – Gary Griffith – NCSA, CA

I chose not to become a music therapist per se.  Instead, I had wonderful work opportunities – teaching, producing, directing and performing music.  Over a decade ago, I returned to New Zealand and began offering Sound Play, Sound Art and Collaborative Sound Bath sessions.  Last year, I was employed at Unitec to facilitate Collaborative Sound Baths with faculty and students.

“Your workshop was one of the most deeply relaxing, grounding and soothing processes I have experienced and I would encourage everyone to try it.  It was an amazing event and I am so grateful to have you at Unitec now offering the same to students and staff every week this semester.  The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from a broad, diverse group. You offer a unique gift to the world.”

Marion Blundell – 2023

Teaching Info

My Piano teaching style is holistic, creative and inquiring. Lessons are tailored to meet the needs of each student and to support their aspirations. (please see testimonials below)

As a practitioner of holistic music education, I embrace the medium of music – sound and silence – and I cultivate a learning environment where students feel safe, acknowledged and respected.  “Janet is an exceptional music teacher. What we find truly special about her is her authenticity in really getting to know our daughter, what makes her tick and exactly what she needs so as to create her own unique and special music journey.”  Tony and Sarah Wright

I encourage students to be playful, creative, and explorative, as these activities enhance joy, listening and appreciation, authenticity, confidence, and musicality.    “When I take the creative aspects from sound exploration into my musical life, I open up.  My perception of music has completely changed.  Now I am inventive with my music, making me an individual.  The creative play is truly a gift. Thanks!”  – Matisse (13 years)

I also encourage personal discipline so students can achieve their goals in music and in their lives. “Janet is a consummate professional who is also endlessly patient, good-humoured and kind.” Sally Sutton

I teach Singing to help people develop their voice in a healthy manner. Singing is a very interesting study because the singer is the instrument. My aim is to support the singer by helping them maintain a healthy inner connection, balance and awareness. This serves as a foundation for releasing tensions and developing their voice, musicality and musicianship.  “I never thought that I would be a singer but over the past 3 years you have helped me find my voice in both song and soul.   You are my best voice teacher.  I felt respected and encouraged and you taught with patience and inspiration.  Thank you!”  Hannah 

If the piano and singing lessons resonate with you, please feel free to contact me for an initial complimentary lesson.

Sound Play for young children engages them as they explore on a wide variety of instruments in a nurturing environment. It helps them to develop focus, concentration and listening while being immersed in their natural joyful learning mode – that of play.

Sound Art, in this context, is an artistic expression whereby sounds create soundscapes. A Spontaneous Soundscape is organically created from sounds as they intermingle. “I found the classes to be a deep form of meditation. The energy released carried me through the next day in an incredible energetic yet peaceful wave.”  Laurel Belworthy.  An Intentional Soundscape is created to support an idea or theme. For example, “Sun Showers”.

Sound Art for children is implemented to help develop listening (inner and outer), focus, concentration, and balance. It provides a fun and interesting alternative to screen time.  Additionally, children develop confidence in playing on a wide variety of instruments. Through interactive play they also develop an understanding of the world of vibration, energy and frequency.  “A HUGE THANKS FOR THE CHANGE IN MY KIDS!  I want to sincerely thank you for all you have done for my class, in particular with one boy.  At the start of the year he was loud, disruptive and seemed to have an inability to listen.  During the sessions, his listening has developed so swiftly that it has astounded me.  He is patient, more caring and focused in class, and most certainly less disruptive – he is developing into a child that is an utter pleasure to have in the classroom.  With many, many thanks! Amber Durling –  Teacher, Kauri Park School (2012)”

Collaborative Sound Baths – These sessions help to restore wellbeing by relaxing one’s mind and engaging one’s heart. Playing on many instruments reaps the benefits of child-like play, while immersing oneself in the sound vibrations elicits the healing benefits of sound baths.  “We both experienced learning, a deep relaxation and an uplifting sound/soul enlightenment. Thank you so much for your time, skill and fabulous array of sound-making instruments. We can only wish that more people are introduced to the world of sound to help them to return to themselves and realise the magic of the universe – all at the same time. We would love to share this experience with friends and family in the future as a powerful and special gift.”   Acushla and Eugene.