MANAGING DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER

Eliette began writing music from the age of 9 and at 17 was placed in the top 50 of the Play It Strange songwriting competition in New Zealand with her song “Believe”.

After high school she attended the Australian Institute of Music. In 2015 she graduated with her Bachelors of Contemporary Performance, majoring in Vocals and released her first EP “Black Kisses”. Later that year she trained with Lynn Kleiner’s Music Rhapsody Programme to teach preschoolers.

In 2016 Eliette opened “Eliette’s Music Academy’ in Auckland and over 8 years has quickly grown to 20+ teachers and hundreds of students.

In 2018 she launched The Green Room Charitable trust - a music programme supporting youth struggling with mental health - which earned her a “Local Hero” award in 2019 from Kiwi Banks' New Zealander of the Year Awards.

DIRECTOR OF GRAFTON CAMPUS (HOD Drums)

EMA Grafton is managed by Nick Douch, drummer of kiwi rock band Ekko Park. They have been a forerunner in the NZ music scene for the past 10 years and have released 3 albums, playing in hundreds of shows throughout New Zealand, Australia, UK and Europe.

In 2017 Nick joined Eliette’s Music Academy teaching drums and band programmes. He has helped grow the academy into the force it has become.

Nick was self taught for the first 8 years of his childhood, building a drum kit from pillows. After graduating high school, he continued his passion for drums at WINTEC, Hamilton, completing a Bachelor of Music.

From the very beginning it was his goal to one day be the drummer in a band, and while now actively doing this, he wants to encourage and inspire young musicians to follow their dreams through EMA.

MUSICAL THEATRE AND SINGING

Grace, a passionate performer immersed in the world of musical theatre since the age of 8, has cultivated a rich background both on and behind the stage. As a singer of the verified Spotify band 'Where’s Jai,' she has played a pivotal role in the group's triumph, contributing to a single titled 'Perfect Crime' that has garnered nearly 1 million streams.

Beyond her success in the music industry, Grace is driven by a deep passion for the arts and is dedicated to sharing her love and knowledge to aspiring performers as a music and performing arts teacher.

PIANO, DRUMS, GUITAR AND BASS (HOD Guitar)

Marcella picked up a guitar when she was aged 12 and instantly fell in love with the instrument. An obsession that grew from an early age, she decided to pursue her love of music. She began studying a Bachelor of Musical Arts at Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand in 2020 where she began to learn how to write songs and apply techniques learned on guitar to songwriting. Being at MAINZ has also given her the opportunity to play in different bands and be involved in recording sessions.

Being constantly exposed to more music, Marcella takes influence from jazz, R&B, pop, k-pop, and funk. She has recently started experimenting with the more production side part of songwriting and is constantly songwriting with other musicians. Marcella has also been involved with different bands playing gigs spanning from weddings to the Auckland Arts Festival.

ALBANY OFFICE MANAGER

Jasmine has a Bachelor of Musical Arts from the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand in 2015 and a passion for playing the piano and songwriting. She has been a session pianist and vocalist for multiple recording artists and has been involved in a wide range of musical projects.

Jasmine strives to inspire the younger generation into having a life-long love for learning, performing and creating music.

DRUMS

Jackson Boswell is an accomplished drummer, singer multi-instrumentalist.

Jackson plays drums in indie pop group Borderline who have performed at festivals and venues around New Zealand. Their debut single “Spinning” reached number 6 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart. He is also a session drummer for some of the countries top acts such as Ben and Brody, Avya, Benjamin Mack, Crystal Chen, YAHYAH & Balu Brigada. He has also released music as a solo artist which has received radio play.

Jackson is a well established drummer, artist and session musician with the skills and expertise to inspire and teach students of all ages.

DRUMS AND GUITAR

Travis is a multi-instrumentalist musician and music producer originally from the Hawkes Bay region. Since moving to Auckland 10 years ago he has completed qualifications in a Bachelor of Musical Arts at MAINZ and a Diploma in Audio Production at SAE. He has around 2 years teaching experience on the Drums and Guitar working at numerous institutions around Auckland. When he is not teaching, he's frequently touring with numerous bands and solo artists from all around the country as well as working on recording, mixing and producing music from a home studio based in West Auckland.

SINGING, GUITAR AND CHOIR

Chris Dent is an award winning songwriter and teacher based in Auckland, New Zealand who is excited to join the team at Eliette’s Music Academy. His flagship band Albi & The Wolves won the Aotearoa Music Award in 2018 for their second album One Eye Open and he’s spent years touring New Zealand and Australia with his act. He is the lead vocalist and plays guitar in the band.

The act is renowned for their live performances and has played at WOMAD NZ, Woodford Folk Festival (AUS), and many more weird and wonderful places in between festival outings, including trips to Rarotonga and Stewart Island. Chris front’s the band and he’s eager to share stagecraft with students as well as developing their musical and songwriting skills.

He teachers the Speech Level Singing style.

GUITAR AND VOCALS

Joshua was a Member of the Aotea Youth Symphony and St Domonic’s Orchestra playing violin, electric guitar, flute and vocals for many years. Has played in concert bands and jazz bands around Auckland and is a part of a Sinolug dance group which travelled to the Philippines in 2020 to compete in the Sinolug Festival.

He started playing the violin at the age of 5, vocals at 7, and guitar at 10.

Currently, completing his Bachelor of Music Degree, majoring in popular music at the University of Auckland. He won 1st place in Panmure Idol and Buddy Buskers Festival, 2nd place in Huapai's Got Talent and played Troy (lead role) in High School Music (graduating year)

These experiences ignited his passion for music and inspired him to pursue a career in the industry.

With his talent and passion for music, he's confident that he can make a positive impact on the music world and the lives of many aspiring musicians.

SINGING (HOD Vocals)

Lisa has been singing up her own tunes from a young age and after getting her first guitar in primary school she would play and sing most days, learning and embracing the joy of music.

High-school is where she really found a passion for writing her own originals and has been in pursuit of a full time music career in the industry ever since.

“Music creation is such a huge part of who I am, I find listening to lyrics fascinating. I’m always intrigued and engaged in what a writer is trying to say and how they piece the puzzle of their song together. I love the idea of being able to help others find their own niche for song writing”

Lisa is eager to help others discover and explore their own passion for music.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC, SINGING AND GUITAR

Ariel is a singer/songwriter from Auckland. Having sung and played guitar from a young age, she writes and performs originals under arielwose.

Over the years she has been awarded the "APRA Lyric Writers Award" Regional Final (2019), won "Best Song" at the Smoke Free Rock Quest (2019), and placed 3rd in the NZ Ukulele Trust for her original "In Their Eyes" and a the Highly Commended Award for her song "Her".

She completed her Bachelors Degree in Pop Music (BMus) at Auckland University.

Ariel has a passion for helping younger musicians become confident in their abilities and develop their own unique sound!

PIANO AND CHOIR

Josh began playing the piano from a young age and completed his Bachelor of Music at MAINZ in Auckland.

His passion for music only continues to grow and he now applies his knowledge to other aspects of music such as singing and songwriting. 

"I believe that music is the best form of expression, everyone from anywhere can understand and relate to.”

At MAINZ, he played in various different bands and had the opportunity to experience what it meant to be a recording session musician. 

Josh is heavily involved in the Music Department at his church. Leading choirs, bands and students in their studies.

What he loves about music is how it can be used for expression and the colour and depth the piano adds to a song.

DRUMS

Joshua, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, made the move to New Zealand at a young age when his family established Ignite Arts Academy, a reputable Music and Dance institution in Cambridge.

Growing up in a musical environment, he developed a passion for drumming, eventually taking on a teaching role within the family business.

He completed secondary studies in Cambridge and Hamilton before pursuing tertiary education in Auckland, where he graduated with a Diploma in Film & Screen Production.

A self-driven learner, Joshua has delved into various creative realms, embracing music, graphic design, film, photography, and screenwriting.

These pursuits showcase not only his skills but also a genuine love for the arts. Within the family business, Joshua actively contributes to teaching, and holiday workshops, and helps organize and run performances.

Joshua continues to be a versatile and dedicated individual, who wants to grow and has high ambitions for his creative ventures.

PIANO (HOD Piano)

Agustina was born in Argentina, where she started studying music at the age of 5. Back home, she attended a primary and secondary school where she would learn about music theory and sing as part of a choir every single day.

At 8 years old, she started playing piano at the Higher Conservatory of Music “Felix T. Garzon”, where she obtained her Piano Degree from after studying the instrument for 10 years.

Agustina moved to New Zealand in 2019 to continue her career in piano teaching. With a background in classical as well as contemporary music, she has been teaching the instrument to children and teenagers for a couple of years now, which she considers her true passion.

DRUMS, GUITAR, PRODUCTION

Josh is a professional musician with 23 years of experience, both in performance and education. He is the drummer for NZ Indie Pop band Voom. Josh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his many musical endeavours, which include drums, production and songwriting. He also holds a Masters Degree in Collaborative Songwriting Models and Composition Methodologies and has been a resident tutor at MAINZ for 23 years. Josh has shared his passion for music with countless students, inspiring and motivating them to achieve their own musical goals. He is committed to fostering a positive and engaging learning environment, where students can develop their skills and explore their creativity. As a performer Josh’s knowledge and versatility has also enabled him to play, record and tour (nationally and internationally) with many NZ top artists/musicians/bands including The Narcs, Hello Sailor, Hammond Gamble, Sola Rosa, King Kapisi, Rikki Morris, Nathan Haines, Paige to name a few.

GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS AND BAND MENTORING

Moses started playing piano at age 8. He was drawn to guitar at ten, and took up bass at 12. He has been a bassist ever since.

Moses spent nine years in the Royal New Zealand Navy Band and has traveled the world backing various artists such as Holly Smith, Frankie Stevens and Annie Crummer.

Since 2015, Moses has toured and performed with Strike Percussion, Hipstamatics, Tommy Nee and many more. With career highlights of performing at major festivals Splore, Soundsplash, Sunsetters, Cuba fest, Fritter fest and all major jazz festivals NZ wide.

Currently, Moses performs with Jukebox NZ, a band which specialises in performing impromptu music by audience request.

Video and audio production is also something Moses enjoys and is proficient in, specialising in Ableton Live, as well as the Adobe ecosystem.

VIOLIN

Kartika is a musician and composer who's musical journey started on Classical Guitar and later ventured on to the violin.

She has her Bachelor of Media Arts in Commercial Music from Wintec.

Apart from teaching, she is an active musician for orchestras and bands, namely Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra, Hamilton City Pop Orchestra, and she was also involved in the musical productions Sweet Charity, Dogfight, Hood Street and recently Chicago.

Through her Suzuki method training, she is inspired to teach violin to all age groups and make learning music fun.

PIANO, DRUMS, GUITAR

Zylah is a young musician who loves jazz, classical, pop and rock and plays guitar, bass, piano, drums, cello and alto sax. She is passionate about songwriting, production and performance, and will be joining EMA to teach drums, keyboard and guitar.

During her time at Western Springs College, she played in the Auckland Jazz Band and KBB music competitions and was awarded gold with the West City Youth Concert Band in the NZCBA Festival. She was awarded the senior music award at WSC in 2021 and 2022 and the performing arts award in 2023 for her involvement in music and arts in the community.

She has completed ABRSM and Trinity College exams in classical guitar, cello performance and music theory and some of her favourite music memories are from performing at BandQuest and later RockQuest playing drums, bass and guitar across the years. 

DRUMS & GUITARS

Benjamin has been involved in music his whole life and finds it such a privilege to be able to share his passion with all his students.

When he was 19 he moved to Auckland to study at the University of Auckland, where he studied a bachelor of popular music. In his time there he took part in instrumental performance, theory study, production and song writing classes. He’s specialised in drums, piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, violin and brass instrumental performance.

He’s currently heavily involved in multiple bands, both doing live performances and recording sessions. Recently he has been competing with a concert band throughout New Zealand and also getting ready to start a new post graduate study.

Like many of my students, he grew up playing and working his way through different grades on different instruments, forming bands and enjoying music to fullest. It is now his pleasure to be helping students through that process.

“I firmly believe that music is for everyone, and it doesn’t matter how, where or when you play, it matters that you get involved and enjoy it! I’m always very excited to get to know and jam out with any new student”

VOCALS AND CHOIR

Kenzie is a classically trained vocalist who has gained her Grade 6 Trinity College London Singing qualification. Having recently relocated to Auckland from Mount Maunganui she is now studying a Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy. Whilst living in the Mount, Kenzie was a member of the Tauranga Civic Choir and trained a local primary school choir for the the past 4 years.

Kenzie was appointed Head Girl of the Arts and Mount Maunganui College. In this role she was able to share her passion of music and all other aspects of the performing arts world. She is very experienced in musical theatre and has performed as a soprano backing vocalist in the Tauranga Music Theatre Companies production of Matilda.

Performing at the Sheliah Winn Shakespeare Nationals in Wellington for 3 years in a row is one of Kenzie’s biggest highlight to date.

She is excited for the opportunity to help others express their passion for music and performance in any way she can.

GUITAR, DRUMS, SINGING, CHOIR

Coming from an extremely musical family Adam was introduced to the world of music at a very young age. He began building a passion for vocals and instrumentation through church's, family bands, and Māori Waiata/Kapa Haka, providing him with a varying experience of genres and techniques.

At 10 years old Adam started learning guitar and quickly developed skills in blues, rock, metal, and later jazz fusion. Through formal study he has since honed his skills in many other instruments such as ukulele, bass, drums, and vocals. He prides himself on his unique knowledge of guitar improvisation, song writing/arrangement, cultural and ethnic music, and rhythmic exercise. His current goal is to inspire people around him to experience the gift of music for themselves.

PIANO, VOCALS, SONGWRITING

Born in Nanjing, China, Siche has been learning the piano since 4 years old. Having been apart of the music industry since 2011, he is fluent in various music disciplines including classical, jazz, pop and contemporary, techno, disco and electronic, to name a few. Siche was awarded with an Advanced Certificate in Piano by Trinity Guildhall in 2009 and in 2013 he graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Popular Music from University of Auckland.

Since 2011 Siche has been involved in various musical projects including producing and performing in a Cabaret show live at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and producing albums for different artists alongside music producer Alan Jansson, particularly in artistic directing.

Through Siche’s teaching he has been able to help his students achieve Merit and Distinction in ABRSM grade and music theory exams. Siche looks forward to continuing to grow his students music analytical skills, learn how music works and expand their musical vocabulary and expressions.

PIANO, VIOLIN, GUITAR

Edward started his music journey from the age of 6 and plays the violin, piano, and guitar as his main instruments. Music has always been a part of his life and follows him wherever he goes. 

He graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Music in Classical Violin Performance. During his time at university he developed a passion for music education and sharing his love for music with others. He is always on the lookout for innovative methods to apply to his lessons and strongly believes that every person is able to learn music.

Edward also writes and produces music on a regular basis and draws from his experience with a wide range of instruments, music styles, and genres. Creating music is one of the best forms of self expression and he encourages students to explore and discover their own music style.

Edward looks forward to working with his students at EMA

SINGING, GUITAR AND PRODUCTION

Pratyul is a music producer and film maker professional. Growing up in India and now residing in Auckland, Pratyul uncovered his passion for music and film making during his schooling days. From that point on he was hooked and submerged in the music and film industry.

Originally a street performer, Pratyul graduated college with a Bachelors degree in computer engineering, studied a diploma in music production and then completed his Masters in audio engineering from the Film and television institute on India, Pune, which is the most prestigious film making and audio school in India.

Pratyul’s song and ‘Baadshah” was released by T-Series India which is one of the world’s biggest Youtube channels. The music video has over 2 million views and continue to rise in popularity.

Pratyul’s sound takes inspiration from folk, rap, ambient rock and LoFi electronic ballads.

CHOIRS, VOCALS, DRUMS AND GUITARS

With a diploma in Music from MAINZ Polytechnic and over 15 years of experience as a full-time working musician, Josh Leys brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

Having performed in approximately 2400 shows, Josh has had some incredible moments, such as headlining a music festival in Amsterdam for a crowd of 25,000 or entertaining 45,000 people in Dubai after the rugby 7s.

One of his most cherished memories is playing and singing with his twin daughters at Christmas in the park last year. Whether it's singing or playing in a band, Josh is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping students dive into music, while also building their confidence on any instrument they choose.

MUSIC RHAPSODY AND VIOLIN

Bethany has been playing the violin since the age of 6. Growing up with the Suzuki method of Violin, she is passionate about teaching to play in a fun, supportive and nurturing environment.

She’s played in orchestra’s around Auckland and is currently studying to become a High School Teacher.

Bethany teaches violin the Suzuki Method way. She believes that the best way to learn music is by learning the way a toddler learns a language, by listening and learning by ear.

Bethany believes music is important to expand a child’s knowledge and grow in their creativity. She believes music can help you emotionally and can grow your confidence in yourself. But most of all music is fun.

MUSIC RHAPSODY

Guille brings a special mix of passion and experience to her role as a preschool music teacher. Originally from Argentina and now living in New Zealand, she has always wanted to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Even though she started her career in law and human rights, her lifelong love for music and dance led her to a new path. Music has been a big part of her family life, and Guille has shared this through dance.

While studying, Guille found joy in working with tango and expressive dance. She discovered that the arts—especially music and dance—are powerful tools for touching hearts and inspiring change.

Guille assists with dance movement therapy at “Dance 4 Us” and music therapy in a school for the “Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre”. She is very passionate about working with children and is excited to lead the Music Rhapsody program. Her goal is to spark a love for music through creative classes that connect with children and their families, inspiring everyone to find their own musical joy.