Private teaching at Vermont Street studio; Henderson High School, ACG Parnell College. About 40 students, aged four to 60.
I’ve always wanted to be a professional musician. I started learning the piano when I was six and the trumpet when I was 10. I’ve been playing music professionally for 12 years. I’ve always loved teaching as well as playing, because I like helping others discover the joys of this awesome activity.
Where did you train?
I have a music degree from the University of Auckland.
What brought you to your current schools?
These schools are prepared to accommodate my hectic life as a freelance musician.
What are your favourite things about being a teacher?
I like it when my students get to discover music. It can become an important part of their lives.
What has been a highlight of your teaching career?
I really enjoy taking bands. I am teaching a band of secondary students called ‘The Good Vibes’. They’re awesome. I look forward to seeing them let loose on the music scene.
A low point of your teaching career?
Travelling huge distances across Auckland in heavy traffic.
How would your principals describe you?
As an itinerant music teacher. I don’t usually meet principals.
How would other music teachers describe you?
Some might think I should be stricter; others might commend my relaxed attitude.
How would your students describe you?
I’m pretty sure they all like me.
If you could wave a magic wand in your ‘classroom’...?
I’d probably fill the room with amazing instruments, get them all hooked up to a flash mixing desk; turn my students into amazing session musicians and their parents into waiters bearing cheese platters.
Five tips for mums and dads with kids wanting to learn a musical instrument?
1. At the beginning it’s good to sit with your children while they practise, just for 10 minutes a day.
2. If your children are involved in many activities, it can be very difficult to get enough practise done.
3. Insist that your children do their practise - at least 10 minutes a day.
4. Listening to music at home is really helpful. Especially if it features their instrument. I recommend listening to my band, Carnivorous Plant Society - it features many different instruments.
5. Private lessons are very beneficial. At my Vermont Street studio, you can learn guitar, bass guitar, violin, trumpet, trombone and piano from me and three other great private music teachers.
FINN SCHOLES, Vermont Street, Ponsonby M: 027 304 5796, www.nzmusicteachers.co.nz/finn-scholes