About

Kia ora! My name is Gemma.

Born in South Korea and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, I am a classically trained pianist, music educator, and arts project manager based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

I am a firm believer in the power of music education for all-round development. My background spans performance, teaching, and arts leadership, with professional experience in marketing, communications, and events across a range of industries.

Whether teaching, performing, producing, or organising, I am driven by a simple goal: to make musical experiences that connect, inspire, and bring meaning to all involved.

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Pianist

Gemma holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from The University of Auckland and received her Licentiate Diploma in piano with distinction from Trinity Guildhall London.

As a chamber musician, Gemma has performed in internationally renowned venues, including the Goldener Saal of the Vienna Musikverein, St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and the Sydney Opera House.

As a collaborative pianist, Gemma has accompanied masterclasses and workshops led by international talents, including conductor Wyn Davies, director Sara Brodie, and oboist Gordon Hunt. In 2013, Gemma collaborated with acclaimed Scottish writer Janice Galloway for the Auckland Writer's Festival's sold-out show, Young Clara. Gemma was one of the repetiteurs for ‘The Bone Feeder’, a new opera scored by Gareth Farr and written by Renee Liang, which saw its world premiere at the 2017 Auckland Arts Festival.

Gemma regularly collaborates with violinist Dr Charlotte Francis and singer Jane Horder. Click here to find out more about these collaborations.

Music Teacher

A firm believer in the power of music education for all-round development.

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Gemma teaches piano, music theory, aural skills, and musicianship, providing music coaching both privately and at several high schools. She was an integral part of the Performing Arts Department at Takapuna Grammar School for over ten years, collaborating closely with the faculty to develop their award-winning choral programme and accompany musical theatre performances and NCEA assessments. She has taught itinerant piano at Dilworth School (Senior Campus), Mt Roskill Grammar School, and Takapuna Grammar School. Additionally, Gemma served as Staff Accompanist at The University of Auckland School of Music in 2014–2017.

A registered classroom teacher with a Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching – Secondary from Massey University, Gemma has recently expanded her work to include choir directing at selected primary schools, drawing on over 20 years of experience singing in and accompanying choirs.

Projects

A highly driven individual dedicated to working collaboratively to find solutions, continuously improve processes, and transform ideas into tangible projects.

Gemma has been involved in education projects with New Zealand's leading performing arts organisations, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, NZ Opera, Opera Factory, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and Chamber Music New Zealand.

As the first Pettman/DARE Scholar for Music Education in 2015, Gemma embarked on an internship with Opera North in Leeds, United Kingdom, and created the music education project, Opera Half Hour, delivered to 40 students from Gladstone Primary School in Mt Albert, Auckland. Her contribution helped lay a strong foundation for the scholarship’s growth, which has since evolved into a fellowship supporting opportunities for both UK and NZ citizens.

Committed to giving back to the community, Gemma is the President of the North Shore Performing Arts Competitions Society and a member of the St Matthew-in-the-city Music Outreach Group. Previous volunteer experience includes Board Member of The Rose Centre Incorporated Society and a committee member of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competitions. Gemma continues to provide freelance arts management and marketing and communications services to local organisations.

Testimonials

  • "Gemma is a phenomenal teacher! I love how her lessons really push each student, but are also enjoyable. She is incredibly well organised, always prepared, and is an excellent communicator!"

    Lauren Raby, Head of Performing Arts & Head of Music, Takapuna Grammar School

  • "Gemma has been a real asset to the NZSQ, quickly understanding our needs and ambitions as a small arts organisation. Professional, efficient and extremely capable, Gemma has provided a range of arts marketing and social media services and insights - all with flair and good humour."

    Marcus Norman, General Manager (2021–2022), New Zealand String Quartet

  • "It was such a wonderful pleasure to have you perform for us again. Absolutely stunning performance."

    Marilyn Portman, Senior Librarian Music, Auckland Libraries

Let’s Chat!

Available for private tuition (piano, music theory, aural training, grade exams), performances (solo, chamber, classical to contemporary), and consultancy (marketing, communication, events).