Music and education have been driving forces throughout my career, shaping my expertise in creating engaging learning experiences leveraging digital technology.
Based in Nelson, New Zealand, I provide strategic guidance and hands-on support to educational institutions and software companies globally. My current role as a Learning Designer in the curriculum team at the New Zealand Ministry of Education is focused on supporting and resourcing the delivery of multiple curriculum areas nationally.
My extensive experience spans two decades of teaching in schools, mentoring educators to optimise curriculum implementation and enhance student outcomes. Additionally, I have consulted on various projects, including management and review of educational resources in digital technology for both public and private sector clients.
Musically, I have performed as part of groups in a wide variety of Music genres: Classical Piano, Jazz Combos, Live Laptop Electronica to Trumpet in a Cuban Son Band. More recent projects have been; Buskudara - a street-band and PressRoll - a live electronica duo. Currently my main musical output is as DJ Tunesifter where I play vinyl, digital or live stem-dub mixing across the Funk/Soul/Jazz/Hip-Hop/Latin/Reggae/Dub spectrum.
Education
PHD (Chancellors Scholarship)
Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington
Masters in Education (Distinction)
Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington
Graduate Diploma of Theology
Laidlaw College, Auckland
Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)
Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington
Bachelor of Music (Musicology)
Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington
Current Employment
Lead Advisor, Learning Design in Curriculum
New Zealand Ministry of Education
Past Professional Positions
Executive Committee
Australia and New Zealand Association for Research in
Music Education
Board Member (Deputy chair 2017)
Music Education New Zealand Aotearoa (MENZA)
Music Technology Mentor
EDnet AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
Past Employment
National Learning Area Lead Performing Arts
(Music, Drama, Dance) - Curriculum and Assessment
New Zealand Ministry of Education
K-12 Education Specialist
Melodics - Contractor
Education Review, K-12 Consultant and Resource creation
Ableton - Contractor
Education Review, Consultant and Resource creation
Serato - Contractor
National Facilitator of Music
Te Kete Ipurangi - New Zealand Ministry of Education
Assessment Contractor
New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Education Research and Consultancy
Emo Collective Ltd (Director)
Community Facilitator, Webinar technical support, Content Creator
Midnight Music, INTERNATIONAL
Digital Kaiārahi for Music (Networks of Expertise)
Music Education New Zealand Aotearoa in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Education
Teaching Fellow
Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington
Music Teacher (Head of Performing Arts, Teacher in charge of Music)
Waimea College, Richmond, NZ
Music and Humanities Teacher
Kerikeri High School, NZ
Education Consultant and TESOL Trainer
Managua, Leon, NICARAGUA
Digital Sales
Rockshop, Wellington, NZ
Backcountry Ranger/Hut Warden
Department of Conservation, Tongariro, NZ