About Us

Aidan specialised in jazz performance on the drum kit through the Ara Bachelor of Music Arts program. Over the past decade, he has held various full-time teaching positions, working with a diverse range of students, varying in age and abilities. Over this period, his students have consistently achieved high academic performance in NCEA examinations and Trinity College assessments. Although teaching is his primary occupation, he regularly performs with bands across the majority of Christchurch’s entertainment venues. He has notably collaborated with members of New Zealand bands such as Opshop, The Feelers, and Tadpole and continues to be relevant in the music scene, frequently performing a range of shows and genres.

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.”

Ian Bolton was born in Australia and is a graduate of the Canberra School of Music where he studied Viola Performance. His professional experience includes eight years with the Opera Australia Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House, as well as freelancing and further study in Sydney and Cologne, Germany. Since 2000 he has lived in Christchurch, where he is a teacher of violin and viola in many schools, and has frequently played with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.  

David Smith has been teaching the guitar (Classical and Popular acoustic) for approximately fifty years with the last twenty on the teaching staff of the North Canterbury Academy of Music. Other ongoing positions include long service at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and St Andrews College in addition to adult evening classes at Cashmere High School and Risingholme Community Centre. 

Other activities have included numerous solo performances, concert promotion for international guitarists and, as president of the NZ Federation of Guitar Societies, the 1990 Guitar Summer School and nationwide concert tour featuring the English guitarist, Julian Byzantine. As a foundation and continuing member of the Christchurch Guitar Society David has been involved in many local guitar related activities. 

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. 

Kyle Hsieh was born in Taiwan and started with music playing percussion ensemble from age 5. Upon moving to New Zealand in 2014 he took up piano.

He achieved Grade 8 Distinction in piano in 2021, and has recently completed his Bachelor of Music in Performance and Composition at UC (2025). Kyle is now working towards his Honors and Masters at UC.

With roots in classical piano performance and a strong background in collaborative music, Kyle combines traditional technique with creative, modern approaches in his teaching.