Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Communitywork
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Ahila James

Dunedin,New Zealand

Summary

Accomplished Music Teacher with 35 years of experience in education, leadership, and performance. Demonstrate expertise in fostering a creative and friendly learning environment through meticulous attention to detail. Hold an Associate certification in Pianoforte Teaching from the Trinity College of Music London and proudly recognized as an Associate of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers in New Zealand.

Overview

2025
2025
years of professional experience

Work History

Music Teacher

Self Employed
01.2000 - Current

Itinerant teacher at city schools and private teacher at home studio, teaching 50 students from multiple backgrounds with no direct supervision.

  • Developing innovative and individualised lesson plans, including multi-genre Composition and Improvisation techniques, to encourage musical skills in early and intermediate level students
  • Arranging performance recitals and concerts to allow students to showcase musical talent
  • Preparing students for the ANZCA, AMEB, Trinity and RCM music exams
  • Participating in masterclasses and workshops held by the Institute of Registered Music Teachers
  • Explaining music theory, aural skills and fundamental concepts to teach students to understand, analyze, perform and create music.
  • Establishing positive relationships with parents and guardians, promoting open communication and collaboration for student success.

Music Instructor

Music Education Centre
1995 - 2000
  • Enhanced student performance by developing individualized weekly lesson plans tailored to their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Fostered inviting and comfortable learning environments for students to promote enthusiasm for the piano and commitment to practicing.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current music education trends, incorporating innovative strategies into the curriculum.
  • Met with parents and guardians to discuss expectations for instruction, lesson scheduling and other practical matters.
  • Organized recitals to showcase students'' growth and accomplishments, fostering a sense of pride and achievement.
  • Prepared students for auditions for institutions by aiding with music selection, assigning practice hours required for mastery of piece and assessing progress and accuracy in playing.
  • Collaborated with fellow instructors for successful school concerts, showcasing students'' progress and talents.

Lecturer in English Literature

National University of Malaya
- 01.2000

Lecturer

Prime College
- 01.1994

Assistant Lecturer

University of Malaya

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - New Zealand Literature

University of Otago
New Zealand

Master of Arts (MA) - Musical Design in The Works of Virginia Woolf

University of Malaya

Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) -

University of Malaya

Associate Diploma - Pianoforte

Trinity College of Music
London UK

Teaching Diploma - Pianoforte And Keyboard

New Zealand Modern School of Music

Skills

    Music Theory

    Verbal and written communication

    Relationship Building

    Proficient in Piano

    Sight-Reading Proficiency

    Multicultural Music Appreciation

    Music History Knowledge

Communitywork

  • Contributing Pianist, St Andrews Church, Mangonui, Northland, 08/01/09, 07/31/10
  • Contributing Pianist, St Mary’s Church, Torbay, North Shore City, Auckland, 2007, 2009
  • Organizer and Performer, Fund Raising Music Recitals, St Mary’s Church, Auckland
  • Pianist, Christmas Recital, St Andrews Church, Mangonui, 12/01/09
  • Leader/Pianist, 1940’s Live Music Show, Kaitaia, Far North, 04/01/10
  • Pianist, Retire and Live, Doubtless Bay, Far North, 02/01/10
  • Pianist, Knightsbridge Retirement Village, Albany, Auckland, 2008, 2009
  • Pianist, Rosedale Retirement Village, Rosedale, Auckland, 2008, 2009

Awards

University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship

Timeline

Music Teacher

Self Employed
01.2000 - Current

Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons) -

University of Malaya

Music Instructor

Music Education Centre
1995 - 2000

Lecturer in English Literature

National University of Malaya
- 01.2000

Lecturer

Prime College
- 01.1994

Assistant Lecturer

University of Malaya

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - New Zealand Literature

University of Otago

Master of Arts (MA) - Musical Design in The Works of Virginia Woolf

University of Malaya

Associate Diploma - Pianoforte

Trinity College of Music

Teaching Diploma - Pianoforte And Keyboard

New Zealand Modern School of Music
Ahila James