North Canterbury Academy of Music
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    • Home
    • About Us
      • Our History
      • Musical Director
      • Our People
      • Awards
      • Ensembles
      • Fees
      • Terms and Conditions
    • Events
      • Calendar
      • End of Year Performance
    • Enrolment
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      • Newsletters
      • Gallery
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      • Contact Us
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North Canterbury Academy of Music
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Musical Director
    • Our People
    • Awards
    • Ensembles
    • Fees
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • End of Year Performance
  • Enrolment
  • News and Photos
    • Newsletters
    • Gallery
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • FAQs
  • Vacancies

About Us

Musical Director

Administration Manager

Alexandra Hope Watson

Learn more

Administration Manager

Administration Manager

Andrea Sibley

Executive Committee

Executive Committee


Musical Director: Alexandra Watson

Administration Manager: 

Andrea Sibley


Assistant Music Director: Naomi Harmer

Secretary: Jeannette McGrath 

Treasurer: Andrea Sibley

Teacher Representative: Jeannette McGrath 

Parent Representative: Sarah Clenshaw

General Committee Members: 

Alessandra de Oliveira 

Our Tutors

Cello: Naomi Harmer, MusB (Hons)

Piano & Voice: Alexandra Watson, MusB, BSc

Cello: Naomi Harmer, MusB (Hons)

Naomi studied cello at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch and teaches both Traditional as well as Suzuki cello. She has taught cello for many years and really enjoys working with students at all levels

Drums: Aidan Stewart, BMusA

Piano & Voice: Alexandra Watson, MusB, BSc

Cello: Naomi Harmer, MusB (Hons)

Aidan studied at Ara (formerly Christchurch Polytechnic) in Canterbury. He is an experienced drummer who has played in numerous bands covering a wide range of genre.  In addition to this Aidan is continually keeping up to date with Drumsense, Trinity resources and is familiar with Music programmes such as Logic Pro X and Sibelius.

Piano & Voice: Alexandra Watson, MusB, BSc

Piano & Voice: Alexandra Watson, MusB, BSc

Piano & Voice: Alexandra Watson, MusB, BSc

Alexandra Hope Watson is the Musical Director, teaching Voice and Piano at NCAM and graduated from UC gaining a BSc in Mathematics, MusB in Performance and an MA in Performance and Composition. Alexandra is now working towards her Doctor of Musical Arts. 


Alexandra has a love for Music playing 6 instruments and enjoys working with students of all ages to pass on this passion

Voice: Jeanette McGrath

Piano & Voice: Alexandra Watson, MusB, BSc

Piano & Voice: Alexandra Watson, MusB, BSc

Studied piano under RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music). Keyboard/vocalist in cover bands of different genres. Bodhrán/vocalist with Irish Trad. Group.


A member of Christchurch City Chorus/Sweet Adelines NZ for 6 years proudly performing nationally & internationally; 11 times National Sweet Adelines winner, 5th place 2016 (Las Vagas), 7th 

Studied piano under RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music). Keyboard/vocalist in cover bands of different genres. Bodhrán/vocalist with Irish Trad. Group.


A member of Christchurch City Chorus/Sweet Adelines NZ for 6 years proudly performing nationally & internationally; 11 times National Sweet Adelines winner, 5th place 2016 (Las Vagas), 7th place 2019 (New Orleans). Familiar with Noteflight & scoring 3 & 4 part vocal compositions.


“If there’s music in your heart, there’s heart in your music.”

Violin & Viola: Ian Bolton, DipMus(Canberra)

Classical Guitar: David Smith, BA, AMusTCL

Classical Guitar: David Smith, BA, AMusTCL

Ian Bolton comes from Australia and is a graduate of the Canberra School of Music. His professional experience includes eight years as a permanent member of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. He has also studied and freelanced in Cologne, Germany. For the last twenty years he has lived in Christchurch whe

Ian Bolton comes from Australia and is a graduate of the Canberra School of Music. His professional experience includes eight years as a permanent member of the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. He has also studied and freelanced in Cologne, Germany. For the last twenty years he has lived in Christchurch where he plays in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and teaches in many schools.  

Classical Guitar: David Smith, BA, AMusTCL

Classical Guitar: David Smith, BA, AMusTCL

Classical Guitar: David Smith, BA, AMusTCL

Rock Guitar: Ray McMurdo

Classical Guitar: David Smith, BA, AMusTCL

Rock Guitar: Ray McMurdo

Piano: Alice Kozanic

Classical Guitar: David Smith, BA, AMusTCL

Rock Guitar: Ray McMurdo

Alice Kozanic is a pianist of over two decades. Having completed their diploma at 16, Alice took a break from music and pursued studies in chemistry and fashion. After starting a family at 22, Alice decided to pursue a career in music working as an accompanist to the choir at The Cathedral Grammar School in Christchurch. During this time 

Alice Kozanic is a pianist of over two decades. Having completed their diploma at 16, Alice took a break from music and pursued studies in chemistry and fashion. After starting a family at 22, Alice decided to pursue a career in music working as an accompanist to the choir at The Cathedral Grammar School in Christchurch. During this time Alice decided to go back to university and do a Bachelors of Music. During their time at university they were awarded two prizes; one for Overall Excellence in Music and one for Excellence in Piano Performance. 


Alice began teaching at the end of their third year and has loved it ever since. Alice also works as an accompanist for exams and competitions. 

Piano: Nathan Houghton

Piano: Nathan Houghton

Piano: Nathan Houghton

Piano: Kyle Hsieh

Piano: Nathan Houghton

Piano: Nathan Houghton


Rangiora Town Hall, Level 1 Studios, Rangiora, 7400

Email: enquiry@ncam.ac.nz | musicaldirector@ncam.ac.nz


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