KOIA TOMLINSON LAUREN WETINI (nee Thomson)	Vocal Major Tutor Vocal Major Tutor
RONNIE EKETONE Tami Neilson kAY jAY manuel	(Music Director) Band Tutor, Sequencing Tutor, Vocal Harmony Tutor, Band Arrangement Tutor, Worship Leading Vocal Major Tutor Vocal Minor Tutor

KOIA TOMLINSON
Vocal Major Tutor
 
Koia was born in Australia and grew up in the town of Taree, North of New Castle.  Having a huge interest in music she began piano lessons at the age of 9 and singing lessons at age 16.  After finishing school, Koia moved to New Zealand to re-connect with her heritage and Whanau. 

During this time she studied voice under noted vocal coach Janice Web and gained Grade 8 Vocal Certificate in Music Theatre and Grade 8 Classical.  Koia also began her studies at the Auckland University where she completed a bachelor of music followed by Honours in Pop music Majoring in Songwriting.  During her university years, Koia was involved in Campus Cantoris, the University choir, and taught singing at Millennium Music.

On completing her degree, Koia recorded her Demo album at the Bus Studio owned by Rikki Morris.  In preparation for the recording she received training from Tina Cross and Steven Small (the director of Pop music at Auckland University).  The Demo is currently on her Myspace page.
In 2005 Koia became a member of the covers band 'The Sound Workshop' and was lead vocalist for over two years.  As a band they traveled throughout New Zealand performing corporate and private events.  Koia is currently performing with two prominent covers bands 'Pulse' and 'Room 2 Groove'.

Koia has also performed her own music in various locations throughout Auckland.

LAUREN WETINI (nee Thomson)
Vocal Major Tutor
 
Lauren Wetini, known to many as Lauren Thomson, is one of New Zealand’s finest singer/songwriters.  Lauren has made a name for herself in both the Christian and mainstream music scenes, touring New Zealand and performing at the Parachute festival and Parachute Noise conference.  Lauren's first album ‘Our Love is Due’ featured key players from the Parachute Band.  As well as establishing her own music, for the past three year Lauren has worked as a professional singer/entertainer for the show band ‘The Sound Workshop’, performing for corporate events.

Lauren has completed a Degree in Performing Arts majoring in Popular music at the University of Auckland and has received many years of both vocal and guitar tuition.

We are thrilled to have Lauren tutoring at EXCEL, as she is not only gifted musically with a wide range of experience, but she has an openness and ability to connect with people making her an ideal tutor.


RONNIE EKETONE (Music Director)
Band Tutor
Sequencing Tutor
Vocal Harmony Tutor
Band Arrangement Tutor
Worship Leading


Ronnie has always had an appreciation for music from a very young age but it wasn’t until being accepted as part of the 1996 intake at EXCEL, that a passion for playing and producing music was realized.  He studied as a Drum Major and was part of the Excel touring team of 1997.

In 2002 based in Glasgow, he underwent training in using Logic Pro and created some musical arrangements for Tu Meke Productions Limited that were used for projects that were distributed throughout parts of the UK and Africa.  Returning to New Zealand in 2003, he became the Worship Leader and Music Director at Valley Road International Church where he continues to attend today.  In 2005, he played drums on Raylee Bradfields self titled EP and travelled to Tasmania to support her in concert in 2006.

In 2007, he was offered the role as Music Director at EXCEL overseeing the music department at the school.  Able to play Drums, Bass, Keys, Guitar as well as a love for singing, he was a good fit for the position and has enjoyed being able to input into young peoples lives in the place where he started his own journey in music and his Christian faith.

Email Ronnie at ronnie@excel.ac.nz

Tami Neilson
Vocal Tutor


Tui Award-winning singer/song writer Tami Neilson is originally from Canada and has
had over 20 years of experience performing professionally.  Touring Canada, the USA,
New Zealand and Australia, she has opened for the likes of Johnny Cash, appeared on
television as Amy Winehouse in Stars in Their Eyes, and she is the voice for numerous
television commercials.  She also performs in her own retro covers band "The Party
Dolls" at Sky City and is a regular performer at Parachute Festival. She has released
two albums in New Zealand, the first of which won the New Zealand Musi Award for Best
Country Album 2009.