History
The NZ Modern School of Music was established by the late Allan Gardiner of Blenheim around 1952. After many years of playing classical music and travelling with his dance band, Allan Gardiner developed his method of modern piano playing.
He was asked to teach his method to local children and from this small beginning he became the principal of a private music training school that now has branches throughout New Zealand. He was also very well known for his piano accordian playing and he and his band made 21 LP records of which two became Gold and one Platinum records.
The country is divided into 23 districts and each district is administered by a Manager who provides on-going training for the teachers in popular music styles. Theory and practical examinations are held nation-wide and many areas hold competitions and concerts. Although most students are children starting to learn at approximately 8 years, many adults join to make up for that lost opportunity when they were young. The piano, guitar and keyboard are the main instruments taught, but some areas offer electronic organ, recorder, brass instruments and voice training.