Annabelle Laing

Annabelle began piano aged 4 and flute aged 8, working her way through Trinity and ABRSM exams on both instruments. Growing up she was very involved in the orchestral pathway and Chamber Music within the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music. After gaining a B.Sc in Zoology at Canterbury she then went on to complete a 3 year Diploma in Flute Performance in Wellington. Since then she has been an itinerant flute specialist in several provincial centres around the country while raising a family. Resident in Nelson for 20 years, she teaches flute, piano and recorder in both Primary and Secondary Schools, Preschool music at NCMA and has a home studio.

As a performer she is currently an active member of the Nelson Symphony Orchestra, plays in local productions and with a colleague gives small local recitals.

Annabelle’s teaching experience is across many areas. Suzuki Piano Teacher Training and Orff Training support a keen interest in Pre-school Music, early creative musicianship and starting young children on piano. As a flute specialist, Annabelle is skilled in assessing individual needs from beginners through to returning adults and has had considerable success with students participating in both the Trinity and ABRSM International music exams across all levels.

Annabelle is experienced in teaching group recorder and flute lessons and enjoys taking flute ensembles and coaching chamber music to performance level. She also teaches recorder as an entry level wind experience. Annabelle’s lessons include technique, theory, a wider holistic appreciation of musical context, development of interpretative skills and the creativity of the musical experience whatever the instrument, whatever the level. She tailors her approach for each individual or group using different methods according to needs.