by Ryan Cox

Vocal lessons for Yr 9 Students

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Hillcrest is well known for producing wonderful singers, and we have recent alumni currently studying voice at Wintec, the University of Waikato, Australia and current students in the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir and entering voice competitions in the Waikato.

The Music department is opening up some lessons for vocal students with our vocal teacher and director Jayne Tankersley from Term 3.


Vocal lessons for junior students are usually rare because of the demand of the NCEA students, but Jayne has opened up a few spaces specifically for Yr 9 students and would like to encourage them to sign up. These lessons will be in groups and are a supportive and encouraging way to learn more about the voice and how to get the best out of it. These lessons are part of the school Itinerant Scheme and are free to students. They will fill quickly, so get it fast!


The school vocal ensemble, Hillcrest Harmony also runs on a Tuesday lunchtime in the Music Department, and anyone is welcome to join this anytime in the year - there are no auditions.


Jayne Tankersley Bio


Jayne Tankersley is a soprano, choral director and vocal teacher and has taught singing at Hillcrest for ten years. She was the musical director for the 2023 school production of Pippin and also directs the school choir. She has a passion for teaching high school-aged singers and joining them on their vocal journey, increasing their confidence and ability.


Jayne studied in Boston, USA, and has a Masters degree in Early Music Vocal Performance, and has appeared as a soloist and recorded with leading early music groups of America. She still maintains an active performing career alongside her teaching, performing as a soloist with numerous orchestras and ensembles throughout New Zealand. Recent performances include soprano soloist for the premiere of Victoria Kelly’s Requiem which received a  prolonged standing ovation at the 2023 Auckland Arts Festival, and playing Janet Frame in Kenneth Young’s opera ‘The Strangest of Angels” which was staged by New Zealand Opera. The opera was also made into a film and has been selected as one of only 10 NZ films to screen at the 2023 New Zealand International Film Festival. She can be heard on Spotify and Apple Music.


Here is the link to sign up.