Singing School New Zealand sponsors and Patrons

The New Zealand Singing School is highly appreciative of the support given to us by our Patrons, sponsors and funding agencies. Their funding, advice and experience enables us to bring quality tutoring to our students.
Many of our notable alumni have gone on to exciting careers thanks to this support.

Our Sponsors

Patrons

We are proud to have the support of our stellar Patrons who show a great interest in the school. We've been fortunate to have had some of them teach valued masterclasses.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa

Dame Malvina Major

Sir Donald McIntyre

Simon O’Neill, ONZM

George Henare, OBE

Judy Bellingham, MNZM

Sponsors and Funders

Major sponsor

Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), Napier has long been a significant sponsor, providing their attractive, modern campus for the school. EIT is the major tertiary education provider on the eastern coast of the North Island. IDEAschool, with industry-experienced lecturers and purpose-built facilities, sets students up for a career in visual arts and design, fashion, music or screen production.

During over 40 years of the School, hundreds of talented singers have come to Napier to learn, and many have gone onto exciting careers. Some past students return as tutors to further inspire students.

Notable past students are -

Notable Alumni

Deborah Wai Kapohe, 1990 – well known New Zealand performer and recording artist; co-creator and sponsor of the annual Pacific Songwriting Competition.
Andrea Creighton 1991 – performing in musical theatre and opera internationally.
Simon O’Neill, 1993 – a leading NZ tenor with an opera and concert career all over the world, and who we are proud to have as a Patron of Singing School NZ.
Amelia Whiteman 1995 & 1997 - a member of popular crossover group Elysium III.
Katherine Wiles, Soprano 1997 - with Opera Australia after studying in the UK.
Andrew Conley, 1999 – a baritone performing in opera and oratorio in London; performed with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at Blenheim Palace.
Stephanie Acraman 1999 – a classically trained soprano, who also works in Jazz and Musical Theatre in Australia, NZ and internationally; teacher at the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music
Robert Tucker, student in 2003 and regular SSNZ tutor - NZ School of Music Artist Teacher; performing in opera in NZ.
James Schaw, 2005 - actor, singer now performing in tv and stage in Australia.
Chris Bruerton, trainee tutor 2007 - a member of the world-famous a cappella ensemble The King’s Singers, based in the UK.
Kawiti Waetford, 2009 - multiple scholarship recipient; performer; holds a national role for Te Aho Tū Roa connecting, facilitating and empowering people within mahi taiao, te reo, and mātauranga Māori.
Jonathon Abernathy, 2009 & 2011 – multiple scholarship and award recipient, winner of the Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge Bel Canto Award. Performing in Europe; a recurring artist with the Auckland Opera Study.
Joel Amosa - 2015 – performing opera and oratorio in NZ and internationally; winner of NZ Lexus Song Quest 2018.