Hi, I'm Kate,
I teach Suzuki violin and the Alexander Technique in Herne Bay & Avondale in Auckland, NZ.
I also co-teach Suzuki ECE & pre-school violin classes in Mt Eden.
Feel free to contact me for more information about classes in 2025
Photo credit: Margriet Van Vianen
Suzuki Violin & Me
I started learning the violin through the Suzuki method at a young age and have enjoyed playing with a variety of different orchestras and chamber groups.
I have a BMus (performance violin) from the New Zealand School of Music and have done training in Suzuki Violin, Suzuki ECE and Music Mind Games.
I have been teaching private and group violin lessons for over a decade and have taught at different summer camps and workshops in NZ.
From 2013-2017 I taught private and group lessons in London, UK and am now back teaching in NZ where I am a current member of the New Zealand Suzuki Institute.
My focus is finding an enjoyable way for students and their parents to feel successful at the violin. As an Alexander Technique teacher I am also interested in helping students learn to play in a way that is free from unnecessary tension.
Alexander Technique & Me
I first came to the Alexander Technique through the violin as a teenager with RSI and again in my twenties with chronic health issues and pain.
Since training to be an Alexander Technique teacher (at the London Centre for Alexander Technique and Training in the UK), my health and energy levels have improved, my anxiety has disappeared and people have commented on my calmness, poise and happiness. I am also discovering a new ease and comfort in my violin playing that I can't remember having since I was a child.
I have also completed foundation courses in the Alexander Technique in Education and the Alexander Technique for Young Musicians.
My teaching experience includes the RimuFest Chamber Music Course in Tauranga, presenting at the Auckland University School of Music, teaching young musicians at the Ingenium Academy Summer School in Winchester, UK, assisting at the Royal College of Music in the Alexander Technique department and assisting in workshops for young musicians at the Royal College of Music - Primary department.
Some feedback about the Alexander Technique
Thank you so much for helping us to learn through the Alexander technique at Rimufest. Even after coming back home, I find myself thinking more about my body and how to be more relaxed. I didn’t know that there was so much unnecessary tension, especially in my neck, but now I know how to relax through zooming out and becoming more aware of my body! I really appreciate how you are always calm and patient, and gave us practical ways to learn the material 😊
Caitlyn Chong
Rimufest Participant
This Technique allows you to feel your body more and notice When your muscles are tense or free. You may not notice how often you tense up but after a few days I can already feel a difference. My teacher used to always tell me to relax my shoulders even if I don't feel anything. But now, I can feel my shoulders rising when I start to get nervous or start getting anxious. Other than allowing us to get to understand ourselves more, there are exercises that help us relax ourselves and put us in a good mindset for performing. The Alexander Technique helps you learn about your body and understand what it needs to be in a good condition for performance.
Zoe Gan
Rimufest Participant