Music Lessons

I teach guitar and songwriting in Auckland. My teaching philosophy is centered around encouraging creativity, self-expression, and developing a deep love and understanding of music.

You'll be the centre of your lesson - I'm there to help you follow your curiosities, via the music you're personally into. I work with each individual student to establish their goals for music, and together, we'll develop your skills to get you where you want to go!

My background in music includes:

  • Bachelor of Music (University of Auckland)

  • Performed solo at 180+ weddings across NZ

  • 3x NZ On Air Funding recipient

  • Mentor/Judge at Smokefreerockquest & Rockshop Bandquest

  • Member of the Judging Academy for the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards

  • Performed at venues including Spark Arena, Aotea Centre, The Tuning Fork, Sky City

  • Lecturer of Foundational Songwriting, at the University of Auckland


I teach students beginning at age 5, all the way through to teenagers and adult students. Lessons are either 30 minutes or 1 hour, located in Mount Eden, Auckland.

Guitar

Guitar is my favourite instrument and I love teaching others
how to play it.

Whether you are wanting to learn an instrument to accompany yourself singing, finally learn how to play ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles, or strum a few chords at the next bonfire, learning to play the guitar is incredibly satisfying skill to learn.

My speciality is teaching guitar from a singer/songwriter perspective - this includes rhythm guitar and finger-style guitar. I usually start students aged 5 - 7 on ukulele, before progressing them onto guitar.

Songwriting

Songwriting is a mysterious skill. I adore teaching songwriting as a way of demystifying some of process.

I have a Bachelor of Music from the University of Auckland, majoring in Popular Music (songwriting and performance). I am a 3x NZ On Air funding recipient; granted funds each round to record, produce and market my original songwriting. I’ve taught Foundation Songwriting at the University of Auckland and presented songwriting workshops for the NZ Modern School of Music.

In my songwriting lessons I teach lyric writing, structure and music theory - as it all goes into learning to write a great song!

“Working with Rachel has been such an incredible experience. As someone learning guitar for the first time, I was initially nervous about starting something new, but Rachel creates such a safe and supportive environment that I immediately felt at ease. Thank you so much for your guidance!”
— June (Auckland)

Get in touch

Book a free first 30 minute lesson with Rachel, by filling out the contact form below.