Hitting the right notes

Hitting rightthe notes

Neil MacLeod (OC 2016) Wellington-based performer, producer, and songwriter, Neil MacLeod, says he has always felt a strong connection to music, so it was a no-brainer that it be part of his education at St Andrew’s College. “I have very fond memories of the self-directed time we were allowed to spend in the studio. I learnt so much during those hours. Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson’s effort to develop a Music programme that allowed kids like me, not classically trained, to thrive in the Music Department was amazing. I’m so grateful to have had him as a teacher. He played a vital role in my early development and was a key support person during my teenage years,” says Neil. Neil is a rising star in the electronic/alternative pop realm. When he first moved to Wellington he started collaborating with ‘amazing people’ whose mentorship helped him take the first steps towards a career in music. Neil has just released his new EP, We have Known Lost Days, via Particle Recordings, and has signed a publishing deal with Big Pop Music Publishing. “The rest of my time is spent helping other artists realise their vision through co-writing, production, and mixing work,” he says.

Alice Burnett (OC 2021)

Alice Burnett says studying Music at St Andrew’s has set her up well for her current studies towards a Bachelor of Commercial Music (Practice) at Massey University in Wellington. “Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, had such an incredibly important role in boosting my confidence in my own abilities, providing not only guidance but so many opportunities to showcase my skills in different ways. The awesome facilities at St Andrew’s meant that I've felt really comfortable using the recording equipment here at university. I’m well versed in lots of the software I’ve needed to use this year as a part of my course,” says Alice.

Having regular opportunities to perform on stage at St Andrew’s has also proved useful for Alice’s course, which is focused on composition, performance, and engaging and collaborating with other musicians.

A talented singer/songwriter, Alice had considerable success in the Rockquest and Play It Strange competitions while at St Andrew’s, taking any chance to ‘just write something’ she says. “I loved all of the composition tasks and the opportunities to play with other people in both band settings and more one-on-one collaborations.”

Alice’s future career plans include developing her own music and eventually releasing it online.

Isaac Shatford (OC 2014)

Multi award-winning composer, violinist, and pianist, Isaac Shatford, says he took Materials Technology instead of Music to start with at St Andrew’s College, until Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, changed his mind as he headed into Year 10. “It was such a blast. I’m glad he did.”

Isaac says he never considered composition until studying NCEA Music at St Andrew’s. “If we had a crazy idea for a project, we were passionate about, we were encouraged to pursue it. It’s pretty special. I can’t name a Music Department quite as audacious. By Year 13, there was no question in my mind that I would study Music at university.” After graduating from University of Otago with a Bachelor of Music with first-class Honours, majoring in Composition and Performance Violin, Isaac has composed music in an eclectic range of styles – from orchestral and chamber music to jazz and musical theatre. His work has been performed all over New Zealand.

He is currently working with Te Manu Tīoriori Trust, workshopping and recording his musical Ruth, which was inspired by the pandemic. “We have a stellar cast and creative team Zooming in from all over Australasia. When I’m not busy completing the underscore, I’m a permanent section violinist in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.”