Siobhan Gerritsen

As a child, Siobhan played both piano and cello to Grade 8 level before choosing to specialise in cello during high school. Having chosen a career in music over medicine, she began her undergraduate studies at the University of Canterbury before moving to Auckland to study with James Tennant.

As both a soloist and chamber musician, Siobhan won the University’s top chamber music prize on two occasions. After completing her Honours degree, she undertook a Master of Music at the University of Waikato, continuing her solo performance career while further developing her chamber music experience. She graduated with a Master of Music with First Class Honours.

Following two years as an intern with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Siobhan remained actively involved in chamber music while teaching cello and chamber music at Saint Kentigern College.

During her 20 years in Auckland, Siobhan performed professionally with the Auckland Chamber Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Bach Musica, and the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.

From 2018 to 2021, Siobhan and her family lived in Thailand, where she pursued further teaching opportunities. They returned to New Zealand in 2021 and settled in Nelson in 2022. Siobhan currently teaches at Waimea and Nayland Colleges and performs regularly with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra.

Siobhan enjoys preparing students of all ages and abilities for solo performances, examinations, and ensemble work. Her extensive experience as a chamber musician has fostered a particular passion for coaching small ensembles and developing collaborative musicianship.

She also has considerable experience teaching Music Theory and preparing candidates for ABRSM and Trinity College London (TCL) examinations.