Passionate Napier pianist Cara Watson recognised for her dedication to her students

Napier pianist Cara Watson, who is pictured with student Finn Clark, was humbled to receive a Queen's Service Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours. Photo / Paul Taylor

A woman who has shared her passion for piano with more than 2000 students was awarded a Queen's Service Medal in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Cara Watson from Napier was "humbled" and "overwhelmed" to receive such an award for a job she loves.

"I love everything to do with music and it is a special thing being able to teach a wide range of people, who are all different and at different stages."

Mrs Watson's youngest student is 4 and her oldest student until recently was 85 years old.

She has prepared more than 1800 students for examinations from initial to diploma level, with successful results, including highest marks and examiner's choice awards.

"My 85-year-old was such a darling and I think it is wonderful being able to teach these people something new every day no matter how old they are."

One of her grade eight students won the second highest marks in the world, which gave her a Trinity College of London Scholarship and she has since gone on to become one of England's top young opera singers.

"I just want them to love it and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students come back to me each week showing me what they have learned."

Mrs Watson has been teaching piano privately for more than 50 years, starting as a student teacher in Napier as a 16-year-old.

From there her passion grew and alongside her private individual lessons the piano enthusiast taught at Napier Girls High School's Hewitt House Hostel, as head of department piano from 1981, and at Tamatea High School from 1984-2016.

Mrs Watson dedicates her life to make sure these students get every opportunity so they can strive to be the best they can.

She teaches a number of children with learning disabilities and gets joy in seeing them achieve and do "amazingly".

"I build a rapport with these kids and it is amazing to watch them grow, they are all wonderful."

Mrs Watson also holds free concerts so all her students get the chance to perform on stage in front of friends and relatives.

She said it was about making them feel special.

"It is a place where they can show what they have learned to their family and friends, and I often do duets with them, it is a neat occasion."

Mrs Watson continues to take private lessons in her home and has no desire to stop now.

"I love my job and I have now even found time to go swimming and be social with my friends so it is a lot of fun."