Tamsin Leenhouwers

Tamsin began studying music as a child, learning piano, oboe and violin. Her first violin teacher was Miranda Adams and then Martin Prokopetz. At the age of 14 she transferred from violin to viola.

On viola she gained the ABRSM grade 8 with distinction. She sang with the Nelson Cathedral Choir for 7 years gaining the position of head chorister for her final two years there.

Tamsin was awarded the Royal School Of Church Music yellow ribbon in the 1998 New Zealand choir school for achievement in singing. She also sang in the school choir at Nelson College for Girls and was one of the founding members of Schola Musica. In addition to this, Tamsin participated in many of the secondary schools Westpac/Adams Chamber Music competitions being placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd for a few years running. She became part of the Massey String Quartet and played for weddings and functions.
After completing four years of viola performance (Massey University), studying under Dr Donald Maurice, Tamsin moved to Kerikeri and taught violin and viola, joined a few Celtic bands and from there fell in love with Celtic music.

Once established in Motueka in 2006, Tamsin continued teaching and has performed as a soloist for weddings and functions. She has also performed on violin and viola as the duo ‘High Strung‘, with a four-piece band ‘Tea Tree’ and the five piece band ‘Tom’s Field’

Tamsin loves teaching music to all ages and is keen to pass on the passion to anyone who is keen to learn- from beginners to advanced players.