Thanks to an epic effort from Campus Manager Dot Bach and her support crew, The Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand (MAINZ) Auckland campus is settling into its new location. With semester two for 2020 scheduled to begin early August, new students enrolling at the legendary music and audio faculty can expect some things to remain the same, like awesome tutors, state-of- the-art equipment and an unforgettable, creative study journey.
Formerly located at 150 Victoria Street West, MAINZ campus can now be found at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, 15 Canning Crescent, Māngere, Auckland. The Māngere campus is within walking distance to the Māngere Town Centre and students have access to a full range of facilities and student support services.
MAINZ delivers a range of Music and Audio programmes providing students multiple entry levels and clear pathways to continue studying if they wish to. Foundation/Certificate/Diploma/ Degree and Graduate Diploma-level programmes ensure beginners to more experienced musicians will find something that fits their study needs.
Dr Mark Baynes, MAINZ Programme Manager, says at any level, the courses will help students progress with their artistic development. MAINZ programmes have a strong practical focus and are designed with the end goal of graduates achieving employment in the music industry. He said currently the MAINZ Live Sound and Lighting programme presents some great employment opportunities. The NZ Certificate in DJ and Electronic Music Production (EMP) remains a popular course as well.
MAINZ is responsive to the industry’s needs and its tutors are more than just seasoned industry professionals with extensive knowledge and experience, there’s a veritable treasure trove of NZ music industry talent amongst the staff there. Here’s an overview of the quality teachers and mentors at MAINZ:
Dr Mark Baynes – Contemporary pianist, accompanist and composer, specialising in improvised music including jazz. Over 20 years experience as a professional musician.
Jean McAllister – lifelong musician, singer, performer, recording artist, previously full-time professional musician 10 years plus. Music writer and producer for dance, theatre shows and film.
Tony Waine – APRA Silver Scroll winner – songwriting (The Narcs), professional musician for over 40 years, songwriter, singer, recording artist, performer, bit of a legend.
Dixon Nacey – Renowned jazz guitarist, Recorded Music NZ Te Kaipuoro Tautito Toa | Best Jazz Artist for 2020.
Alex Griffith - bass player with a career spanning over 30 years. He has deep knowledge of many styles, and is an experienced tutor at tertiary level.
Karl Benton - Karl has decades of experience in the industry playing for acts such as Ardijah, Tina Cross, Jackie Clarke, Annie Crummer and many more. Passionate and dedicated educator.
Elton Noyer aka Scizzorhands - Scizzorhands is a world-class turntablist, skilled and knowledgeable, brings a variety of music in a hip-hop way.
Josh Sorenson – Professional musician 15 years plus, has gigged, toured and recorded with various well-known bands and artists, both nationally and internationally. He composes, performs, records and releases his own music as well.
Noema TeHau - Guitarist and producer for Sony’s new act and MAINZ alumni, Paige. Check out: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hscsIIlxYGIUYsfarFCG7
Chris Orange - Bass player in NZ punk bands The Terrorways (1979-80), and The Features (1981), trained Taiko player, multi-instrumentalist, song-writer, and double bass tutor. Also an advocate for MAINZ students’ learning and pastoral care.
Studying at MAINZ Auckland doesn’t just provide students a great place to learn and develop, and gain access to amazing music, live sound and events opportunities. The more profound and life-long lessons from time spent there will be about connecting with like-minded people, and being mentored by tutors who understand what it is to be an artist and the different pathways to success.
Dr Baynes says there’s a bit of a family vibe at MAINZ and students get to hang out with people who care and know about the industry. “We are all about the students and we give them a hard time when they need it, so they don’t lose their way”.
More importantly he said, “ you’re going to be taught, and taught well by people who care. A lot of music gets talked about and a lot of music gets played here”. The resulting creativity speaks for itself.
If this sounds like you, seize today and prepare to be well-taught! To find out more about study at MAINZ, go to https://www.sit.ac.nz/Courses/MAINZ or phone Auckland campus 0800 265 526 or Christchurch campus 0800 264 426