Thank you!
A Final Message from Alexandra
After almost six years as Musical Director, I have made the difficult decision to step down from my role. It has been a privilege to be part of such a supportive and welcoming musical community, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities and memories that my time at NCAM has given me.
I would like to sincerely thank our tutors, students, parents, and committee members for your support over the years. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the committee, whose help behind the scenes makes everything at NCAM possible. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you all.
Our Mid-Year Concert was a wonderful final concert day for me, and the Rangiora Town Hall Centenary Celebration on 5 September will be my final event with NCAM. I hope many of you will join us in the orchestra as we celebrate both NCAM and the Town Hall's centenary, performing Skyfall alongside a massed community choir. It promises to be a memorable evening, with music that is accessible to students of all ages and abilities.
As I leave, I do so with great confidence in NCAM's future. I wish every student the very best with their music-making for the remainder of the year, particularly those preparing for examinations. I hope that music continues to bring you joy, confidence, and opportunities for many years to come.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your musical journey. I wish you all every success for the future.
Alexandra Hope Watson, 2021 - 2026
Contact: musicaldirector@ncam.ac.nz
Who We Are
NAU MAI, HAERE MAI, WELCOME!
We are very pleased to WELCOME you to North Canterbury Academy of Music based in the Rangiora Town Hall.
We hope that you will find our new website easy to navigate. The site introduces you to our experienced tutors and their instruments which we hope will encourage you to join one or more of our individual lessons or group music lessons in 2025. All students playing an orchestral instrument are encouraged to join our Orchestra and voice students our Choir.
The Academy was established in 1983 and we continue to offer our students the opportunity to nurture a love of music, from the youngest beginner to the more experienced players, that will last a lifetime.
NCAM is primarily an 'out-of-schools' programme offering lessons from 3:30-7:30 Monday - Thursday.
In 2022 we had some exciting opportunities for our students. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) worked with us in 2021 and in 2022 they worked with us as part of their Community Engagement project. Sessions were offered to students studying orchestral instruments and they throughly enjoyed the workshops.
In 2023 we celebrated our 40th Anniversary. Therefore, the CSO will be joined us in August for an Orchestral Weekend to celebrate the life of the Academy. This was a wonderful event, open to players of all ages and abilities that concluded in an amazing concert showcasing the hard work over the weekend!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Our History
North Canterbury Academy of Music was established in September 1983 by Julia Holcroft. There were originally 8 students studying violin and the Academy has grown over the years reaching 100+ students in 2021.
Where words stop, music begins.
Heinrich Heine
