Maisey Rika, Jimmy Christmas mentor Rotorua students

SONGSTRESS: Singer songwriter Maisey Rika will be mentoring students at Rotorua Girls' High School. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Rotorua music students will have the chance to interact with industry professionals through an ongoing Ministry of Education programme.

The Musicians Mentoring in Schools Programme supports students with achievement in NCEA music by inviting New Zealand musicians to go into schools and provide real-world expertise.

The D4 guitarist Jimmy Christmas and singer Maisey Rika will talk to music students about songwriting, performance and career options in the industry.

Christmas, who will visit Rotorua Lakes High School, was the co-songwriter and guitarist for rock and roll band The D4.

He has a wide knowledge of recording techniques and processes in local and international studios, writing performing and recording his own material.

Rika, who is going to Rotorua Girls' High School, won all four nominated categories at the 2010 Waiata Maori Music Awards including Best Maori Female Solo Artist Award, Best Maori Pop Album, Best Maori Song and Best Maori Songwriter of the Year.

Rotorua Girls' High School music teacher in charge, Marcy Stunell, said it was a fabulous opportunity for the students.

"Maisey is a lady that a lot of our students look up to and admire. We have quite a large percentage of Maori students in our school and the way Maisey uses the Maori language in her songs shows our girls they can be proud of their culture."

Ms Stunell said the two-day visit would inspire the students and motivate them to reach for ambitious goals.

"When we were approached to be part of the programme I specifically asked for Maisey because she is from Whakatane, not far from here.

"It is the perfect example for our girls to see how hard work will help them succeed, no matter where in New Zealand they come from."