Our Tutors

Lynda McDowall AIRMT

Lynda is an experienced early childhood educator (New Zealand Playcentre Federation Certificate), junior music specialist and Registered Music Teacher (Early Childhood). She is also a member of NEWZATS – the organisation for approved singing teachers in New Zealand. In February 1993, Lynda opened the studio in Harrisville Road.

Lynda’s Experience:
• Organised and conducted the Majors ‘n’ Minors choir for many years and has previous involvement with the orchestras
• A history of staging children’s productions for both schools and churches as well as the Majors 'n' Minors annual productions
• Over the past two decades, Lynda has participated in numerous music camps and workshops both here and in Australia
• Wide experience tutoring adult programmes that encourage teaching music to young children
• Worked for several years as a tutor at 'Music School' in Papakura
• Since 2001 Lynda has been the Instrumental Convenor for The South Auckland Performing Arts Society competitions held annually in July and August. She is also the Vice President / Secretary of this society (SAPACS) and assists with the vocal and piano sections.

Lynda McDowall

Sarah McDowall

After completing her undergraduate music degree in Cello Performance in Auckland, Sarah moved to London where she received her Masters in Music from the Royal College of Music. Sarah now holds seven diplomas and degrees in music and teaching, and has recently qualified as a Trinity examiner.

Currently based in Auckland, Sarah has been teaching cello, violin, singing and piano for more than twenty-five years, from beginners right through to diplomas. To date, she has entered more than two thousand candidates for music examinations.

Sarah is in high demand as a music teacher, with a busy working home studio and a permanent waiting list. She also teaches music at Dilworth School in Auckland. She is a freelance accompanist, arranger, adjudicator, conductor, and performs regularly as a soloist.

A life-time love for musical theatre has seen Sarah go on to direct several award-winning musical theatre productions, including Annie, Shrek Jr, The Sound of Music, The Lion King Jr, Honk! and The Jungle Book.

She has four children who all sing, and play flute, clarinet, cello, trumpet, piano, guitar and bass between them.

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Sarah McDowall

Scott McDowall

Scott is a clarinet and saxophone tutor and player based in Pukekohe. He has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Clarinet Performance and is an Associate of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers. Scott teaches privately as well as in the itinerant music scheme through the Ministry of Education. From 2009 to 2013 Scott was the Supervisor of the Papakura Music School, a position that involved organizational and supervisory skills in addition to teaching. As well as tutoring, Scott plays for many types of performance situations and also for session work in recording studios. At Majors ‘n’ Minors he assists with all the major performances and is also the studio's sound technician.

Scott McDowall

Gyuri Mun

Gyuri was born in Korea but has spent most of her life here in New Zealand. She attended Rosehill College. Gyuri studied for a Bachelor of Music Honours Degree (Flute Performance) at Waikato University. This course covered music theory, performance, concert organisation and teaching, under qualified professors. She is confident that she can pass this knowledge on to students. In terms of work experience, she taught at Papakura Music School for two years, two terms at Baradene College of the Sacred Heart, St. Mary's College and Dilworth School. Gyuri just loves music, teaching music and sharing her love for music with young musicians.

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Gyuri Mun

Deirdre Nielsen

Deirdre grew up in a musical family, learning to play the violin, flute, piano, oboe and recorder. She progressed her musical studies playing violin in National Youth Orchestras and majored in Violin Performance as part of her musical studies at University. Deirdre has had extensive experience in solo, orchestral (some professional) and chamber music ensemble playing in New Zealand and in England. She currently enjoys playing violin in the Manukau Symphony Orchestra. She achieved her Performers Certificate examination on the flute and has played in a solo and ensemble capacity. When Deirdre isn’t teaching music, she works as a Dietitian in South Auckland.

Deirdre Nielsen

Student Teachers

Callum Nielsen
Hannah-Mae Espiritu
Shania van Vliet

Associate Tutors

Bronwyn Spencer
Bernice Potter