*Free intro for studio lessons only
Our tutors are all working professionals within the music industry. With experience in songwriting, performance, recording and more, they offer our students unmatched expertise in the Kapiti Coast.
Not only do students get expert tutoring on a weekly basis we also provide opportunities for our students to collaborate with each other to create a live performance. The show is then performed at a public venue. Groups include choir, guitar ensemble, percussion group and bands.
House of Sound offers a unique teaching experience at primary schools on the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua. This is a fantastic service for parents who are looking for an affordable and convenient option for their kids to start music. Lessons include a mid year and end of year concert so parents, teachers and friends can see the awesome work that is done throughout the year. Our curriculum has been designed to suit group lessons (max 5 students), so all children get to work to their potential.
Lessons are available (school dependent) for guitar, drums, keyboard, ukulele and Star Finders. Our Star Finders programme is a 12 month introduction to music - designed specifically for Year 3 students, and provides an introduction to rhythm/percussion, guitar and keyboard.
This is a unique and highly rewarding programme that takes teaching to the next level.
In our band mentoring programme students are taught songwriting, performance, sound system set up, given the opportunity to perform live gigs and record their original songs in a professional recording studio.
Growing up in Paekakariki, Elan Van Mills was part of a musical family and could often be found performing on stage with one of his siblings or parents. He began playing classical piano at the age of 5 and joined his first band at the age of 10. In his teens and 20's, Elan became part of the NZ rock scene with his band Paselode. They signed to NZ label Wildside Records and toured the country playing with NZ's best bands such as: Fat Freddy's Drop, Shihad, Trinity Roots, The Datsuns, The Black Seeds, The Phoenix Foundation and many more. Elan has also recorded and produced bands, written jingles for TV and scored the soundtrack for a short film. He still performs in local bands The Figs and A Small Victory. Elan has a BA in music and has been teaching since 2005. He has mentored hundreds of Kāpiti's up and coming musicians over the last decade and currently teachers a wide range of instruments including guitar, piano, drums and vocals.
Gene Sparkes is 26 & completed his Bachelor of Creativity in Music at Whitireia. Gene’s passionate about learning, teaching and performing, loves blues, rock, metal and jazz amongst other things. He has played in a number of bands over the years and currently performs in bands with other Whitireia music students. Gene’s been teaching with House of Sound for 3 years, tutoring in guitar & bass on Tuesday - Thursday afternoons and loves to work with kids and adults alike.
Johnathan's been inspired by music ever since he learnt how to switch on his dad’s vintage keyboard. Classically trained in Piano, Johnathan's been a part of various worship bands & throughout college was invested in the RockQuest scene, winning the 2019 Regional Musicianship Award. Today, he produces for bands & artists alongside a Wellington based record label. Johnathan tutors on Monday and Wednesday afternoons & is excited to share his passion with the next generation of NZ’s up-and-coming musicians.
Mason Williams is one of our passionate drum tutors, having played drums/percussion since childhood. He has been playing professionally for the last decade in an array of different groups, playing in everything from metal bands to orchestras. Mason has achieved his grade 8 trinity rock and pop exam with distinction and has attended both the Victoria jazz performance and Massey commercial music degree. Mason is currently active in the Wellington music scene playing and writing with multiple local bands, and frequent cover gigs. Mason currently tutors on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Moana comes from a musical family & has been singing from an early age. She studied Opera at the Conservatory of Music at Massey University, under the tutelage of Flora Edwards. During a 9 year stint in London, Moana performed in recitals, concerts, weddings & shows. Since returning in 2010, she's joined several pop & rock bands, & currently performs in her band, Puke & Moana. Her passion is to utilise her knowledge, teaching vocal & stage technique to students of all ages. Although the Bel Canto method is her preferred style of training, Moana can adapt this method to suit any style of singing. Moana currently teaches on Monday & Thursday afternoons.