DIRECTOR

Dan is the Head Monster at Monster Music. He started the school in 2019 to give kids a fun, structured way to learn music, with a strong focus on performance. With plenty of musical experience behind him, Dan loves sharing his passion for music and nurturing young talent. He is married to Hollie Hitchens, who is also part of the admin team.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jayden is the driving force behind Monster Music and our super epic manager of day-to-day operations. He keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes so kids can have the best time possible in their lessons. He's also a seasoned musician with oodles of experience around the world, and we're thrilled to have him back in Christchurch, nurturing young talent at Monster Music. Say hello when you see him at schools or events!

TEAM LEADER

Chris is an Ōtautahi drummer, tour promoter and experienced leader, known for his knack for nurturing, organising and lifting up the people around him. He started out in local Christchurch bands, took on the logistics of running gigs, and went on to coordinate busy booking schedules for bars across the city, alongside several years as a full-time itinerant drum tutor. Today he brings that same organisation, adaptability and leadership to Monster Music.

ADMINISTRATION & ENROLMENTS

Kelly is the friendly, efficient force behind the scenes at Monster Music, looking after enrolments, enquiries, billing and social media. With a strong admin background and a deep love of music, she brings expertise and energy to the team. She's also an accomplished musician and educator who has toured internationally with her band Current Groove, performing on cruise ships alongside industry talent, including several of our own tutors. Based in Hawke's Bay, she teaches from her home studio and supports us remotely.

TIMETABLES

Michelle looks after timetable reshuffles and upcoming clashes, so kids still get their lessons when life gets busy. A lot happens in a school day, and Michelle does an epic job of shuffling things around behind the scenes. She's an absolute trooper who also helps with plenty of other jobs at Monster Music, including the recruitment and onboarding of new tutors.

STUDENT APPRENTICE

Tahlia is our student apprentice, helping Dan and Jayden with day-to-day operations. She creates much of our content (books, lanyards, certificates and more) and is a whizz with Opus and our other online platforms. She's also an incredible musician, and one of the very first kids to learn with Monster Music, at just 4 years old. If you've been to a Monster Music event, you've probably seen her play.

EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

Sammy Jay is a Christchurch musician and tutor who loves teaching kids to rock. His guitar, ukulele, keyboard and bass skills are rooted in country, blues and rock, and he's back after six years in Europe and the UK. Alongside his wife Hannah, he's keen to share his experience and inspire young musicians. Sammy's enthusiasm and patience turn learning an instrument into an adventure where fun and learning go hand in hand.

EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

Tyler is a Christchurch musician and teacher with a Bachelor of Music specialising in piano and composition, plus 16 years on guitar, 8 on drums and 5 on flute. He has played stages nationwide, including keys with Melbourne's Pretty Stooked, touring New Zealand with Horizone and playing Electric Ave with The Settlers. As a tutor, Tyler is known for connecting easily with kids and making lessons both fun and educational.

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS

Meet Aaron Wildermoth, a music teaching legend from Christchurch. He's not your typical tutor; he's a passionate guitarist, ukulele whiz, and bass guitar super star with a strong background in bands like St Peters Thursday and Black and Gold!

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS

Alex moved from Dunedin to Christchurch in 2017 to study music and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Arts in 2019. A guitarist, singer and songwriter, he plays in original groups and cover bands around the city and is a well-known, friendly face in the local music scene. Alex has taught for many years and loves helping young musicians find their own voice on their instrument, and have fun along the way.

DRUMS

Ash brings years of drumming experience to his lessons and knows exactly how to get kids excited. He takes care to give each student what they need to succeed, whether that's tightening up their timing, building confidence behind the kit or completing their next wristband challenge.

Fun fact: when he's not behind the drums, Ash is a very confident baseball player!

GUITAR/UKULELE/KEYBOARD/BASS

Ben has played in some pretty well-known bands over the years, so he knows his stuff. His lessons are fun, engaging and practical, and we're sure your kids will enjoy learning with him.

Fun fact: Ben also works as a librarian, so he's your go-to for great riffs and great book recommendations!

GUITAR

Blake has taught music for a few years and is finishing his music degree. He plays in multiple bands and has performed shows across New Zealand. He loves helping students build confidence, enjoy the process, learn new skills and catch the music bug, all in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS/KEYBOARD/DRUMS

Charlie has been playing guitar, drums, bass and piano since he was three, and he's one of Christchurch's coolest musicians. He brings contagious enthusiasm and positive vibes to his lessons, with a knack for turning each one into an exciting adventure. When he's not teaching, Charlie takes the stage with his bands.

VOCALS/KEYBOARD/GUITAR

Daisy loves helping students find their own musical voice. She has been singing for more than 10 years and playing guitar and keyboard since Year 9. She makes lessons fun and engaging and loves supporting students to reach their musical goals. Daisy is currently studying Music and English part time at the University of Canterbury.

KEYBOARD/VOCALS

Deanna, better known as Dee, is a bubbly, enthusiastic keyboard tutor who graduated from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts in 2025. Her background is mainly in musical theatre and dance, and she plays many instruments. Dee loves working with children and sharing her passion for performance and creativity through the Monster Music programme.

KEYBOARD/DRUMS/GUITAR/VOCALS

Deen's biggest goal is to help others fall in love with music. He has taught since 2015, covering guitar, piano, drums, ukulele, singing and composition, and also works as a choir conductor, accompanist and arranger/orchestrator. Deen grew up in Christchurch, studied music performance at Ara, and has plenty of experience in choirs, musical theatre orchestras and rock bands.

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS

Emily graduated with a music degree from Ara Institute of Canterbury in 2018 and has collaborated with artists including PRINS. She has a special talent for making learning fun and engaging for kids, and her students admire her for it.

DRUMS

Euan is a seasoned drummer with a background in hip-hop, R&B and jazz, who has played and taught around Christchurch since graduating from Ara Music Arts in 2021. He's always looking for new, fun ways to help students grow as musicians. After travelling the world on cruise ships with his band Current Groove, Euan now brings his experience to Monster Music.

GUITAR/KEYBOARD/VOCALS/UKULELE

Grace is a passionate multi-instrumentalist who has studied music all her life and has taught since late 2017. She has almost completed her Bachelor of Music and holds Grade 8 in NZMEB classical guitar. Grace teaches in a positive, supportive way, aiming to build trust, joy and enthusiasm. She's also deeply interested in different cultures, and once shared Te Reo Māori songs on a cultural trip to China.

KEYBOARD/GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS

Ivan has taught piano, guitar and composition since 2016. He studied composition and French horn at NZSM Te Kōkī and has performed with groups including the RNZAF Band, Orchestra Wellington and NZ Opera. His music has been played around the world, and he was a finalist in an international flute composition competition. Whether guiding beginners to their first notes or budding composers, Ivan makes music exciting and rewarding.

GUITAR/KEYBOARD/UKULELE

Jack is a Christchurch musician who plays keyboard and guitar and sings. He started piano at 10 and earned his bachelor's degree in jazz and contemporary keyboard at Ara. Kids love his lessons, and he's passionate about helping students discover the joy of music. Jack believes music is a fun way to express yourself and build skills like discipline and coordination.

VOCALS

Jess creates a super fun, supportive learning environment for her vocal students. She has loved music since she was young, entering talent shows and joining choirs before studying singing and songwriting at Ara (Bachelor of Music Arts, 2019). Jess sings in a band and plays restaurant and wedding gigs with her fiancé Alex, who teaches guitar at Monster Music. When she's not teaching, she's a florist, making bunches of flowers from her garden. She can't wait to help make your pop star dream come true!

VOCALS

Jess is passionate about singing and having fun while you do it. She has been performing since she was young and is a Christchurch musical theatre performer with a Bachelor of Performing Arts from NASDA (Ara). Since graduating, she has performed across the country in theatre productions, including the 2024 tour of The Reluctant Dragon with New Zealand Playhouse.

GUITAR/UKULELE

Jordan started guitar at 12 and has loved it ever since, always exploring new music to learn and play. He has a kind, encouraging teaching style and is skilled at helping musicians find their strengths. When he isn't working, you'll often find him playing music for his two daughters, who love to sing and dance.

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS

Josiah is a Christchurch muso with a jazz degree from Ara who loves playing metal, rock, pop and just about anything else. When he's not teaching, he's writing music for his band Repose or playing with the Centre Stage Rolleston Musical Theatre band. He's super passionate about getting the next generation excited about music and helping them find their own sound.

DRUMS/GUITAR/UKULELE

Josiah is a guitarist, bassist and drummer with over 10 years' experience teaching music and running a music school of his own, plus 15 years as a youth worker running community events, school programmes, concerts and workshops. He holds a Bachelor of Music, a Diploma in Performance Music and a Diploma in Youth Work. He plays in several bands, including House of Groove, N-Did-Jah-Nis and Fuchsia Haze, and is also a DJ. Away from music, he enjoys video gaming, mountain biking and fitness training.

GUITAR/UKULELE/DRUMS/KEYBOARD/BASS

Kurt is a multi-instrumentalist who focuses mainly on drums and guitar, and has been playing drums for 25 years. He loves teaching, and is part of established rock band Pieces of Molly, who have toured New Zealand and Australia multiple times and supported acts including Slash, INXS and Shihad. Kurt is very stoked to be part of the Monster Music team.

GUITAR/UKULELE/KEYBOARD/VOCALS

Leah brings real-world experience to every lesson. She earned a Bachelor of Music Arts specialising in singer/songwriting and has performed in Christchurch bars and venues since 2017, both solo and in a band. In 2023 she wrote and self-produced an album, releasing a new song each month. Leah started with Monster Music as a reliever in 2023 and is now a regular tutor. We're super stoked to have her on the team!

GUITAR/UKULELE/DRUMS

Liam is a Christchurch multi-instrumentalist with a passion for music and teaching. He started with drum lessons at 9 and has since added guitar, bass, piano and ukulele. He holds a Bachelor of Music Arts and has played with various musicians, including Mim Jensen. Liam has been a Monster Music tutor for over four years, and he's an absolute hit with the kids he teaches.

GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE

Linden is a guitarist and former Music Director with a lifelong background in performance, songwriting and leading people. He has played in bands since his teens, toured internationally, contributed to multiple album releases and earned two NZ Music Awards. Recently moved to Christchurch from Mount Maunganui, he now focuses on teaching guitar and helping students build confidence, strong foundations and a genuine love of music. He's also raising his three boys, with family at the centre.

GUITAR/DRUMS/KEYBOARD

Maree is an incredible multi-instrumentalist with a love of drums, ukulele, keyboard and guitar, and plenty of experience teaching kids music in schools. She has a knack for making lessons fun, engaging and inspiring, helping young musicians grow in confidence and skill. Maree is excited to work with your children and share her passion for music.

VOCALS/KEYBOARD/GUITAR

Maria is Canterbury born and bred and has been involved in music her whole life. She's studying Music and Mathematics at the University of Canterbury and loves singing, guitar, violin, piano and music theory. Maria creates a positive, supportive learning environment where students can grow at their own pace, feel comfortable expressing themselves and become their own inner rockstars.

GUITAR/UKULELE/DRUMS

Mitch is a drummer and guitarist from Christchurch, and Jayden's younger brother. He picked up drums in primary school and taught himself guitar later on. Recently back from Melbourne, he has toured New Zealand with two bands: The Hootz (guitar and songwriting) and Pretty Stooked (drums). Mitch is keen to meet students and inspire the next generation of rockstars.

DRUMS

Nigel brings years of drumming experience to his lessons and knows what it takes to lock in a solid groove. He plays in bands, so he's all about real-world skills and helping students feel confident behind the kit. He's fantastic with kids (he has kids of his own!) and creates a relaxed, positive space where students have fun and make great progress each week.

BASS/DRUMS/GUITAR/KEYBOARD

Noah is a Christchurch musician and soon-to-be Ara Music graduate with years of gigging experience in genres like rock, jazz and funk. Bass guitar is his main instrument, but he also teaches guitar, ukulele, keys and drums for Monster Music. Noah genuinely loves teaching and is passionate about helping kids have as much fun as possible on their musical journey.

GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE

Rob is a Christchurch guitarist and music teacher with a music degree from Christchurch Jazz School. He has over seven years' experience teaching students of all ages and performing on the local scene, and in recent years his focus has shifted to songwriting and production. What Rob enjoys most is watching a student's playing and listening grow together, and he loves helping creative students find their way into songwriting.

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS

Sam is a passionate guitarist who graduated with a Bachelor of Music Arts in 2020 and has since been involved in many exciting projects in the Ōtautahi music scene. He loves writing music, playing in bands with his friends and sharing his passion through playing and teaching. Sam keeps lessons fun and encourages students to reach their goals.

GUITAR/DRUMS/BASS/KEYBOARD/UKULELE

Shannyn has been a hard-working, professional performer and educator in Christchurch for more than six years. He earned his BA of Music at Ara and a Graduate Teaching Diploma at UC, and has played in a variety of projects around Ōtautahi. Passionate about sharing his knowledge and energy, Shannyn is eager to help the ākonga of the city become the next generation of rockstars, and show them how to headbang.

DRUMS

Simon started on cornet at age 2 and switched to drums at 15, going on to join three rock bands that wrote their own songs, toured nationally and opened for major New Zealand acts. He has since played in cover bands around Canterbury. Simon holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has years of drum tutoring experience, and he loves mentoring students of all ages and seeing them progress as musicians.

KEYBOARD/GUITAR

Sung Woo is a piano specialist with over 15 years of experience, and recently finished a bachelor of jazz performance at Ara. Nothing makes him happier than making people laugh, and his witty personality keeps lessons entertaining. His philosophy is to be 1% better every time and enjoy the process. Sung is here to be a mentor, teacher and friend to students of all levels.

BASS/DRUMS/GUITAR

Theo is a Christchurch bassist and drummer in the final year of a jazz degree at Ara Music Arts, with 10 years on bass and 5 on drums. He draws on jazz fusion, modern metal and funk, and plays all sorts of gigs regularly. Theo loves a good laugh, cool music and seeing students have fun and get closer to rocking the stage. He teaches beginner, intermediate and advanced players with plenty of passion and enthusiasm.

DRUMS

Zak is an experienced drummer and tutor from Christchurch with a Bachelor of Musical Arts from Ara Music Arts. Skilled in jazz, pop and rock, he focuses on drum kit technique and music reading, and performs regularly at local gigs, most recently in NASDA's musical theatre band. His lessons are tailored to build musical skills and a love of drumming, and Monster Music kids love their weekly lessons with Zak.

GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE/KEYBOARD/DRUMS

Zane is a passionate, enthusiastic tutor from Christchurch who graduated from Ara Institute of Canterbury in 2017 through the Contemporary Music pathway. He has taught for several years in New Zealand and Australia, completed a Masters of Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury in 2024, and recently returned from two years teaching in Japan. Zane is eager to support his students on their own musical journeys.

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS/KEYBOARD

Alice is an exceptional guitar tutor with a global musical journey. She has two years' teaching experience and has played guitar and piano for audiences on cruise ships around the world, whether solo, in acoustic duos or with cover bands. She writes and performs her own music and shares her expertise with students of all levels.

DRUMS/GUITAR/UKULELE

Amy is a passionate drum and guitar tutor who loves helping kids discover the joy of playing music. With years of experience working with kids, she keeps lessons fun, engaging and tailored to each student. Amy is well known in the Christchurch music scene, regularly performing with bands and music projects, but her true passion is inspiring the next generation of musicians.

GUITAR/DRUMS/KEYBOARD/UKULELE

Dave holds a Bachelor of Music and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching. After jazz school he worked for nine years as an itinerant music teacher, then five years as a full-time classroom teacher. He has been active in the Christchurch music scene, performing in original and cover bands across the South Island, and has been Music Director at his church since 2013. Dave loves teaching and delights in watching children grow in skill, confidence and passion for music.

DRUMS/GUITAR/BANJO

Finley is a Christchurch local whose musical journey has taken him through theatre shows, rock bands and jazz bands as a drummer, and on to singing, songwriting, guitar and even banjo. He has enjoyed several years of teaching, and seeing students have their lightbulb moments is a real highlight. As a Monster Music reliever, he's always excited to meet new faces and reconnect with previous students.

GUITAR/DRUMS/BASS

Rob has played drums for 18 years, bass for 12 and guitar for 11. After majoring in jazz guitar at Ara Music Arts, he taught professionally and played in a wedding band, then spent two years in Melbourne learning from some of the city's best musicians and producers, and played bass on a luxury cruise ship before heading home to Christchurch. With over four years of teaching experience, Rob has seen students go from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced players, and loves watching their progress and excitement.

GUITAR/UKULELE/BASS/DRUMS

Steffi has a strong background in youth development and education and loves hands-on learning. She plays bass in bilingual post-punk band HOIHOI, and is a poet and guitarist in the music/poetry band Electric Starfi. She's also a sound technician, so you might spot her working in venues and events around Christchurch.