Musical maestros lead EIT course

Two high achievers in the world of music will run EIT's new certificate programme in contemporary music performance.

Lecturer Tom Pierard and learning facilitator Ron Kessels have enjoyed meteoric careers, and they will be bringing very considerable experience and skills to their new roles at EIT.

For Mr Pierard - whose Napier family has long been associated with musical achievement - it will be a return to his Hawke's Bay roots.

Moving to Wellington to study for a Bachelor of Music (performance) majoring in jazz and latin drumset and percussion, he went on to work as a self-employed musician, teaching and performing for the last nine years.

He also plays in the renowned Strike Percussion ensemble.

His move to Hawke's Bay also involved a lifestyle change for wife Melissa, who joined Future Products Group Ltd in Napier as a conceptual designer.

Originally from The Netherlands, Mr Kessels moved to Hawke's Bay in 2010 so his wife Trudy, originally from Taradale, could set up a homeopathy business.

As a self-employed sound and audiovisual technician, he has worked with some of the best-known bands in the industry - Muse, Snow Patrol and Crosby Stills and Nash.

His career has involved considerable travel - touring with performers and also working at events such as the Glastonbury Festival, Big Day Out, and Rhythm and Vines.

Both said it was a diverse group who took part in the first audition recently for the new programme at EIT.

Would-be students covered a wide range of ages and included musicians who play the saxophone, drums, base guitar and keyboard and enthusiasts of rap, big band, heavy metal and electronics.

Several places may be available for the final audition on January 10.