Young musicians given classical music masterclass with NZ Symphony Orchestra flautist

Bridget Douglas (left) giving pointers to Carly Williams, Rachel Reed and Heewon Park. Photo / Supplied

A group of music students from Western Heights High School got a premium masterclass with one of New Zealand's top flute players.

Students had been finessing their chamber music items since February for the Bay of Plenty Rounds of the National Chamber Music Competition on June 10.

Chamber Music NZ organised for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra principal flute player Bridget Douglas to visit the schools.

Douglas is the principal flute player in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and also a member of the harp/flute duo Flight and the contemporary ensemble Stroma.

Douglas has won several competitions in the United States including the Artists International Award, which resulted in a debut recital at Carnegie Hall.

She gave the young musicians pointers on how to perform well as an ensemble and the session gave them a chance to polish the finer details of their performance.

Music teacher Kathyrn Lauder said the opportunity to have someone of Douglas' calibre was priceless and gave the students a "boost of confidence".

"It was a fantastic experience . . . As well as coaching the group, she also shared about her own experience of learning music," she said.

Lauder said it was rare to work with someone of this experience and expertise and an hour session made a real difference.

Chamber Music NZ artistic administrator Elizabeth Bisley said the upcoming National Chamber Music Competition was the perfect opportunity for young musicians to compose and to perform chamber music and strive towards excellence.

She said the contest, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015, was "iconic" and inspiring and had launched the careers of many young musicians and composers.