Group Classes &
Early Music Education

We provide the complementary group classes with no additional

for our enrolled students:

Theory of Music (Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced levels)*.

More options of the group sessions are available (with the additional fee):

Vocal Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble,

Saxophone Ensemble, String Ensemble,

Woodwind Ensemble.

Please, ask us for more information and current schedule.

The fees are indicated below.

*If the students are not enrolled for our one-to-one lessons, they still can be enrolled for any of the group courses. The fees are displayed below.

We are happy to suggest our group courses to everyone!

Early Music Education Groups for Preschoolers (2-3 yo and 4-5 yo).

Please, check the information below.

Music Theory helps students:

Understand what they’re playing: Students learn how melodies, harmonies, and rhythms work - this deepens interpretation and makes memorisation easier.
Read music more fluently: Recognizing patterns, key signatures, and chord progressions speeds up sight-reading and reduces reliance on rote learning.
Develop improvisation and composition skills: A solid grasp of theory gives students tools to create their own music or embellish written parts.
Strengthen aural skills: By learning intervals, chords, and forms, students become better at identifying these by ear - essential for tuning and ensemble awareness.

Our courses are based on ABRSM and Trinity (TCL) curriculum, which allow the students to pass these exams successfully.

Playing or Singing in Ensembles helps students:

Listen actively and sensitively: Students learn to adjust dynamics, intonation, and timing by responding to others—skills not fully developed in solo practice.
Build rhythmic accuracy: Keeping time with others strengthens internal pulse and precision.
Develop musical confidence: Performing with peers reduces pressure and builds stage experience in a supportive setting.
Gain responsibility and teamwork: Students must come prepared, follow cues, and contribute to the group sound—skills that foster discipline and collaboration.
Broaden musical expression: Ensemble repertoire often includes a wider stylistic range, encouraging musical flexibility and growth.

The fees for all group lessons
(except Early Music Education Groups) are:

Improve your musicality with a broader music knowledge!
We suggest 60 mins session weekly
for any group lessons.
Each term is 9 weeks: $210/per term.

Combining theory knowledge with ensemble experience creates a well-rounded, musically literate student who can perform confidently, think critically, and collaborate with others - a foundation for success at any level.

Early Music Education Groups in Birkenhead and Ponsonby:

Music education plays a vital role in supporting children’s cognitive development and is widely recognised as an essential part of early learning.

Young children are invited to discover the world of music with our experienced specialists from the very beginning.

Class schedule:

Ages 2–3: Once a week ($180 x 40 minutes for 9 weeks per term)
Ages 4–5: Once a week ($180 x 40 minutes for 9 weeks per term)
The day in a week will be announced later.

Free trial classes will be held in January 2026.
To express your interest, please contact us by email.

What will we do at the class?

Rhythm games using clapping, tapping and simple percussion instruments
Singing familiar songs and practising call-and-response phrases
Movement activities such as marching, jumping and simple dance
Listening games to recognise loud/soft and fast/slow sounds
Exploring age-appropriate instruments including shakers, drums and bells
Musical storytelling through sounds, characters and moods
Group games that practise stop/start signals and tempo changes
Introduction to basic musical concepts (high/low pitch, rhythm and dynamics)
Turn-taking and cooperative music-making to build social skills

What will we achieve by these activities at the class?
To support cognitive development, listening skills, coordination, creativity, confidence and early musical foundations.

Early Music Education Teacher

Preschool Music Groups

Nelya Bagryantseva

Teaching schedule:

Wednesdays & Fridays (morning)

Preschool music group lessons are led by Nelya, a dedicated and thoughtful music educator who provides young children with an engaging and enriching introduction to music. Drawing on her experience in piano, singing, violin, music theory, and ensemble work, Nelya designs lessons that integrate movement, voice, listening, and age-appropriate instrumental activities.

She completed ten years of formal musical training at a specialised Music Lyceum in Russia, where she studied violin, piano, music theory, and vocal performance. She continues to develop her pedagogical practice in New Zealand through the Institute of Registered Music Teachers (IRMT NZ), currently completing the Foundation Course (2024–2025). Nelya also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Politology (2002-2007) from HSE University in Moscow (Russia), supporting her clear communication style and engaging approach to teaching young learners.

Also, her educational background is supported by wide-ranging teaching experience in private tuition, early learning centres, choirs, and music schools throughout Auckland. Nelly's sessions are carefully planned to reflect the developmental needs of preschool-aged children. Through singing, rhythm and movement activities, musical storytelling, and group music-making, children build foundational skills in pitch, pulse, coordination, and listening, while also developing confidence, cooperation, and self-expression. Nelya’s considered and responsive teaching style allows each child to engage comfortably and progress at an individual pace.

The program is informed by a combined Kodály- and Orff-inspired approach to early music education. Singing forms the core of musical learning, supported by rhythmic speech, body percussion, movement, and the use of simple percussion instruments. This integrated methodology encourages active participation, creativity, and a natural understanding of musical concepts within a playful and structured environment.

Alongside her teaching work, Nelya maintains an active professional performance practice, bringing authenticity and artistic depth into the classroom. She works collaboratively with parents and staff to support each child’s musical journey. As a mother of two school-age children, she brings a practical understanding of early childhood development, creating a welcoming and inspiring setting where a lasting appreciation for music can flourish.

Our Schedule

Theory of Music

Tuesdays:

Ponsonby Branch

3.30pm & 4.30pm

Wednesdays:

Birkenhead Branch

3.30pm & 5.30pm

Vocal Ensemble

Schedule:

TBC

String Ensemble

Schedule:

TBC

Guitar Ensemble

Schedule:

TBC

Saxophone Ensemble

Schedule:

TBC

Woodwind Ensemble

Schedule:

TBC

Preschoolers' Music

Group Lessons

Wednesdays:

10.30am for 2-3yo

Fridays:

10.30am for 4-5yo