New Zealand: MSI Christchurch Director Jamiee Trethowan

Born and raised in Nelson, NZ, Miss Jamiee moved to Christchurch in 2005 to pursue her love of the arts and work towards a Bachelor of Music degree, which she achieved successfully.  Miss Jamiee was first introduced to the ISM/MSI system of music education in 2009. She travelled to Sydney to complete the teacher training seminars with the curriculum developer, Rosalind Thrift and passed all the testing with high distinction. She was inspired by the broad spectrum of music education initiated through the ISM/MSI courses and all that they had to offer budding musicians. Throughout the next five years Miss Jamiee was able to motivate and engage over 300 students in the system and very quickly became Head Teacher of the initial Christchurch school to use this curriculum.

After taking time out to complete studies and add to her family, Miss Jamiee is now thrilled to be returning to music education. She has been granted a sole license by Rosalind Thrift to continue to offer this unique and musically stimulating programme under her management, to the students of Christchurch. With a strong musical foundation, diverse musical experience and under the guidance of highly trained staff, our students at Music Schools International, Christchurch should have every opportunity to reach the highest of standards.  Miss Jamiee is an ardent believer in the overall benefits of music education, in the life of young people and is very excited to develop MSI Christchurch, as a market leader in music education.

Miss Jamiee
027 505 8818
enquire@msichristchurch.co.nz

New Zealand: Group music & piano teaching specialist Julia Cassels

After begging to learn, Julia began piano lessons at the age of 8 and quickly worked through her classical grade exams in Waimate and later Dunedin. Julia achieved her Grade 8 and her AMusA diploma (Austrailian board) with Vivianne McLean in the last two years of High school before gaining her BMus(hons) withTerence Dennis at the University of Otago. Growing up, Julia was exposed to Musical Theatre and Brass bands through her parents. She began working as a repetiteur for Musical Theatre Dunedin at the age of 14 and worked on many shows in the pit for them and Taieri Musical Society. Julia also worked on a number of smaller productions with Opera Otago. Beginning first with the Cornet in brass bands, Julia has been fortunate to have a go at many other instruments during high school and beyond (Violin, Bassoon, Baritone Sax, Bass guitar, Percussion). Alongside teaching, Julia works with the NZ Army Band, accompanies the Christchurch Liedertafel Choir and a number of Christchurch high school choirs and other instrumentalists as required for exams and competitions, she also retrained 3 years ago in Fashion Design and works as a pattern maker at a local clothing factory. What spare time she has, Julia spends with her husband, two young children and her children’s clothing label Jax & Julz.

New Zealand: Graduate & individual teacher Yuyu Saito

Raised in Japan, Yuyu began learning piano at the age of 3. She loved playing piano and found joy in it. She moved to Christchurch in 2011, and passed her ABRSM Grade 8 with Jamiee Trethowan.

Whilst attending Cashmere High School, Yuyu was awarded the Solo Winner, Best Pianist, Best Group and contribution to music throughout her final year at school. In addition to piano, Yuyu enjoys playing the flute and has successfully earned grade eight under Jane Doig. Yuyu also enjoys singing and has done so since she was young in a number of school groups and through her church, she currently leads choirs for both children and adults.

Yuyu started teaching piano in 2018, and is passionate about seeing her students achieve both musically and technically. Her aim as a teacher is to help students to love music. Other than teaching, she is currently a nursing student at Ara.

Australia: Curriculum Developer and Network Director Rosalind Thrift

Rosalind was awarded a Music Scholarship at the Conservatorium of Music-Sydney after studying Music throughout her school years. She also achieved qualifications from the Royal Academy of Music, London while teaching in the UK. Throughout her career, Rosalind has held music teaching positions in various schools including Director of Music within the private education sector. She has also been responsible for music teacher training at a tertiary level.

After extensive research and recognising a need for more contemporary music programs for young students, Rosalind developed and wrote new courses, integrating over 740 pieces of original music and in 1997 launched the International School of Music. ISM is now considered a market leader in music education for young students and many music educators who have a contemporary approach to music education, have embraced the ISM system and established very successful ISM music schools.