Andrew Ward

Andrew began his professional musical journey at a young age, when he was selected to join the
choir of Westminster Abbey. After an extensive choral and instrumental training, when he learnt
piano, violin and composition alongside singing, he went on to read music at King’s College, London.
He then studied piano with Gordon Fergus-Thompson at Birmingham Conservatoire, before
embarking on a career as a soloist, accompanist and teacher. Alongside his classical studies, Andrew
has developed a keen interest in jazz and contemporary keyboard styles, and has directed award-
winning big bands at secondary school level while working as a Head of Music in Auckland for many
years. In 2020 he returned to his original passion for solo piano, especially the music of Debussy and
Ravel, by taking a Masters in Performance Research through the University of Auckland where he
studied with Stephen de Pledge. As a result of gaining First Class Honours, he was offered a
scholarship to study for a PhD in Creative Practice, during which time he has developed a new
interest in historical keyboard instruments.

Andrew is an experienced piano and singing teacher who works with individuals, ensembles, and choirs. He focuses on building confidence, strong technique, creativity, and a love of music through performance, improvisation, and individual expression. As a fully registered classroom teacher, he can also provide NCEA support.