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A lifelong love of music is what inspired Kristian Bennett to start his itinerant music school: Rapid Rockstar Music Academy.
The academy director and tutor, who is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, session musician and has toured the world with various bands, told The Profile “music has gifted me so many wicked experiences”.
“It’s taken me across the world, allowed me to perform for massive audiences, tiny schools and everything in between.”
It’s a passion he now poured into his work, hoping to open the same doors for others, he said.
The Academy operates as an independent music programme that partners with primary schools. The Paeroa musician said his work in high schools highlighted how many students loved music but didn’t have the foundations to study at that level.
His goal is to focus on primary schools to help foster musical ability, and as they get older, this will develop opportunities and experiences for students throughout the Thames Valley and Waikato.
That’s where Rapid Rockstar Music Academy comes in. “We’re currently teaching at a number of schools across the region,” he said. “While we teach on the school site, parents/caregivers handle enrolment fees directly with us. We currently offer one-on-one and group lessons for guitar, bass, drums, and ukulele.
“Our package includes a qualified tutor and a curriculum designed to develop musicianship, creativity and performance confidence. We’ve already had three showcases at schools in the last few weeks and the kids smashed it.”
DETAILS: For schools or parents with students eager to learn an instrument and get into musical performance – contact Kristian Bennett at info@rrma.co.nz.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
