Academy DirectorIrene Bower is recognized as a leading music educator. She is well known for her energetic and holistic teaching combined with excellence in artistic musical performance. Irene was born in British Crown Colony of Hong Kong, the youngest daughter of Portuguese parents. She started singing at the age of four, playing the drums in the family band at the age of five and started learning the piano at the age of eight from Professor Andrew Chow for 10 years. She graduated from the Royal School of Music. After graduating as a music teacher she went on to teach music for four years at the Yamaha Music Foundation. In both 1979 and 1980 she was the winner of the Yamaha Guitar Festival held in Hong Kong for vocal and guitar. Throughout her career, she directed, organized and performed in concerts, competitions and festivals for the Arts Council at the Hong Kong City Hall. Irene came to New Zealand in 1991. For the first eight years she taught Japanese language at St Mary’s College as well as teaching modern music at Technics Music Academy in Wellington. However, Irene’s first love is music, and she strongly believes that whatever experience is gained in music should be put back into music. Therefore in 2001 she started her own music business. "I am privileged to run an experienced Academy, ably assisted by an energetic and creative team", says Irene. "World Music Academy provides a recognized platform for aspiring performers - several winners and runners-up in song quests have passed through the Academy and hopefully will go on to professional careers in music. A lot of schools tend to be academically oriented, and not a lot of hands-on is accomplished. Our school dedicates itself to playing from day one, in all styles. Through the community and continuing education programs, we offer the highest quality music instruction and performance opportunities for students of all ages. Embedded within the Wellington community is a determination of Academy, students and alumni to shape the future of music, each in their own unique way. By exploring the Academy website, you will get a sense of the school’s many activities and initiatives. In addition, I invite you to visit us so that you can appreciate more fully the vibrancy, excellence, and supportive community that are at the heart of the World Music Academy." IRENE BOWER, DIRECTOR
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