When I was 9 years old, I could have mistaken an oboe reed for a trumpet mouthpiece. Alison transformed me from a sport-loving music novice to a diploma student with the prospect of studying classical performance at university. The time and dedication she puts into every student, beginner to advanced, is second to none and her commitment to the oboe is clear with the establishment of and drive behind the New Zealand Double Reed Society.
Noah Rudd Year 13 2015
Alison has been my teacher since I started learning the oboe age 46. I had little musical knowledge and had not learnt to play an instrument before. I am also a slow learner. Alison has been amazing with her encouragement and patience. She has tailored the lessons to suited my needs, including the technical aspects of oboe playing, musicianship, ensemble playing and reed making. It is thanks to her that I have managed to pass some music exams and play 2nd oboe in a community orchestra.
She has gone way beyond would expect of a teacher in organizing student concerts and chamber music sessions
She has a great understanding of all aspects of oboe and cor anglais playing , as well as performing herself with some of New Zealand's top orchestras
She is the ideal teacher for all ages and abilities
Lucinda Atkinson Private adult student
Alison is an enthusiastic and gifted oboist and teacher. Her playing is of the highest professional level and her teaching of both individuals and groups is effective and accessible. She relates well to folk of all ages and at all levels of achievement and is especially encouraging of gifted young players.
I personally have benefited from coaching of the woodwind section of our community orchestra and tuition as part of the New Zealand Double Reed Society (NZDRS)Chamber group. This has been most valuable and insightful. In addition, Alison is passionate about professional development and encouragement. She is currently president of the NZDRS. She was instrumental in setting up this group and works tirelessly to initiate and support a wide range of events for members. Particularly the Annual Double Reed Weekend which provides input from local and international professionals and offers a wide range of opportunities for playing and learning. She was also heavily involved with the establishment of the highly successful Ruapehu International Oboe Summer School which attracted professionals and
enthusiasts from around the world in 2011 and 2013.
Margaret Dewse, Secretary of NZDRS
Noah Rudd Year 13 2015
Alison has been my teacher since I started learning the oboe age 46. I had little musical knowledge and had not learnt to play an instrument before. I am also a slow learner. Alison has been amazing with her encouragement and patience. She has tailored the lessons to suited my needs, including the technical aspects of oboe playing, musicianship, ensemble playing and reed making. It is thanks to her that I have managed to pass some music exams and play 2nd oboe in a community orchestra.
She has gone way beyond would expect of a teacher in organizing student concerts and chamber music sessions
She has a great understanding of all aspects of oboe and cor anglais playing , as well as performing herself with some of New Zealand's top orchestras
She is the ideal teacher for all ages and abilities
Lucinda Atkinson Private adult student
Alison is an enthusiastic and gifted oboist and teacher. Her playing is of the highest professional level and her teaching of both individuals and groups is effective and accessible. She relates well to folk of all ages and at all levels of achievement and is especially encouraging of gifted young players.
I personally have benefited from coaching of the woodwind section of our community orchestra and tuition as part of the New Zealand Double Reed Society (NZDRS)Chamber group. This has been most valuable and insightful. In addition, Alison is passionate about professional development and encouragement. She is currently president of the NZDRS. She was instrumental in setting up this group and works tirelessly to initiate and support a wide range of events for members. Particularly the Annual Double Reed Weekend which provides input from local and international professionals and offers a wide range of opportunities for playing and learning. She was also heavily involved with the establishment of the highly successful Ruapehu International Oboe Summer School which attracted professionals and
enthusiasts from around the world in 2011 and 2013.
Margaret Dewse, Secretary of NZDRS