Joel Bolton, QSO

Joel began his flute studies at 12 and piano studies at 14. After 4 years he passed grade 8 piano with distinction after which he went on to pass ATCL and LTCL. He also completed a degree in flute performance at Auckland University and played 1st flute in the Auckland Youth Orchestra. During his last year with this orchestra he performed a flute concerto in the Auckland Town Hall.

Joel came to Nelson in 1986 and gradually built up a teaching practice giving lessons in both piano and flute. He teaches piano at various Nelson high schools and both piano and flute privately. He also established a community orchestra in the early 90s which now goes under the name of the Greenhill Orchestra. Joel continues to conduct this group along with the Junior and Senior Youth Orchestras which are part of NCMA’s musical offerings.

Joel received the Queen’s Service Order (QSO) for services to music in 2017.

Joel enjoys teaching piano and flute to people of all ages and abilities – absolute beginners through to university level. His main goal is to help fill his students with the same kind of love for music that he has. Lessons are relaxed, full of encouragement and plenty of smiles. Joel wants children and adults to go away feeling good about themselves and their abilities.

Joel places a high emphasis on music reading skills and these are taught using a variety of music styles from classical through to contemporary. Pupils often bring, or suggest learning favourite songs, music from movies, computer games etc and Joel is always happy to teach these. He is happy to put students through exams but they are by no means compulsory. A number of Joel’s pupils have successfully auditioned for university performance degrees in flute or piano as well as achieving high marks for music exams.