Students mentored by professionals (+video)

Singer and songwriter Maisey Rika working with Rotorua Girls' High School students. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua music students had the chance to get up close and personal with industry professionals this week as part of a Ministry of Education-led initiative.

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.

Singer/songwriter Maisey Rika spent Monday and Tuesday at Rotorua Girls' High School, offering advice to the students about composing music and writing song lyrics.

Rika 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.

She said she took her responsibility as a role model seriously.

"I really love being a mentor to these students and be able to help foster their creativity. These girls are the next generation of musicians, so it is rewarding when you spend time with them and suddenly everything clicks and they make a breakthrough."

Rika said she felt privileged to be able to lend her services to the school.

"When you sit down with these students and just listen to what they have to say, you will find they have such beautiful stories to tell.

"I can relate to what they're going through because I remember being that student with song lyrics in the back of my books, waiting for my chance."

Rotorua Girls' High music teacher Marcy Stunell said having Rika visit was a fabulous opportunity for the students.

"She is somebody the girls genuinely look up to and is the perfect role model for them. The girls really respect her opinion and actively seek her guidance which make these workshops so beneficial."

Ms Stunell said having Rika in the classroom "stimulated creative thoughts and got the students' ideas flowing".