Music Academy

The RVS Music Academy provides an avenue for students to receive music tuition on-site during the school day, both vocally and in a variety of instruments. Throughout the year, students will have opportunities to perform, be that in school assemblies or publically with the school orchestra or choir. In 2021 tuition will be given in the following instruments: 
  • Guitar 
  • Keyboard 
  • Ukulele 
  • Vocals 

OBJECTIVE
To support the holistic education of children by giving RVS students the opportunity to discover and develop their musical abilities and share them with others for the glory of God.
 
PHILOSOPHY
  • Learning music teaches many life skills, encourages commitment, enhances memory, gives confidence, and provides many other unique opportunities for growth of character.
  • A student need not show special talent in order to be eligible for music-making. 
  • Everyone has the capability to make music and everyone should have the opportunity to learn music. 
  • Sharing music with others is important for improving musical and performance skills: using our talents to bring enjoyment to others is a Godly concept.

To contact the Music Academy, please email music@rvs.school.nz.

The Tutors

STEPHANIE HAM  
      
Stephanie is the Coordinator of the RVS Music Academy.  She teaches guitar and ukulele lessons, oversees the school choirs and orchestra, and will also be teaching music lessons in some of the Junior school classes this year.

Stephanie grew up singing and learning to play piano, recorder, guitar, bass guitar and mandolin - some in lessons, some self-taught.  She began playing in her church’s youth and main worship teams at the age of 10 and began leading worship as a young teen.  Fast forward 30+ years and you will still find Stephanie playing and leading worship in church with great enjoyment alongside her husband Mark (an excellent bass player) and some of their four children.  A life-long lover of learning and music, Stephanie has in recent years been teaching herself lead guitar, solo ukulele, reading/writing/composing music (which she utilises for the school orchestra) and song writing - some of her songs are being used in churches today. 

Stephanie has a real passion for seeing children discover and enjoy their natural God-given musical talent and develop this confidently into skills God can use for His glory.  She is motivated by a vision of the music academy students becoming the next generation of band members and worship leaders and as a music teacher knows her calling is “to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ.” (Eph 4:12 TPT).
ALISON DIGHT

Alison teaches vocal lessons at RVS. With over 30 years of performing on stage, she has competed in many vocal competitions and performed in over 15 theatre shows.  Alison studied vocals and drama at Excel School of Performing Arts, graduating in 2003. She is currently completing a qualification in Contemporary Voice Teaching. Currently Alison is a vocal tutor at Kids Can Sing and spends her spare time performing in Blenheim Musical Theatre shows as well as singing in the Worship team at Elim Church. Alison is a professional Director and Actress. Alison is a mother with her two eldest children currently at RVS. 

Alison believes that singing is beneficial to students for several reasons. Learning to sing can improve not only a student’s voice and performance skills but can also help the following:

  • strengthens the immune system
  • is a natural antidepressant and improves mental alertness
  • boosts confidence
  • broadens communication skills
LAURA PEDERSON

Laura grew up with a love for music, art,  and serving people.  Over the years she has been involved in several choirs, church music teams, Christian Camping NZ and various other Christian organisations.  Laura tutors our Junior School Choir.  She is very passionate about seeing children develop a love for music whilst having fun along the way - she often incorporates actions and NZ Sign Language to help the children with their words and keeping the songs lively.  

Laura is a busy mum of two who attend RVS, and in her spare time she serves at Elim Church on the music team, M&M's, Superkids and wherever else she is needed or able.   

JAMES KERBY

James is an educator and translator who lived in China for 11 years. He is also a loving husband and father of 2 children. He has taught children of all ages for 10 years and is passionate about seeing children discover their full potential.

He started learning piano from 6 years old by tutorage of Hillary Youngman and obtained his Royal School of Music Grade 6 in Piano and Theory at the age of 15. As of now, he has been playing piano for 22 years, classical, worship and contemporary. He is also self taught on acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass, synthesizer, ukulele and music composition. 

James started a band with 3 other friends at the age of 12 with the aim of glorifying Jesus through music. He later joined his church’s worship team at 13 years old and began leading worship at an international fellowship in China at 17 years old. Since then he has become the worship coordinator for the entire worship team and continues to serve in the fellowship in this capacity online from here in New Zealand. He has trained many people in instruments and worship leading over his time in ministry.

James loves to work with children of all ages and see them discover new skills. Music is a skill that links mind and heart and he wants to see children come closer to the heart of God and lead others to glorify Him through expression in their musical ability.