Neil Guyan

Organist & Choirmaster
Neil was born in Onehunga and played the organ at the Church of Christ when he was only 13 years old and started forming and conducting choirs. He was inspired by the Student Christian Movement at Teachers' College and at Auckland University where he majored in composition. His organ qualification was gained at the Royal College of Organists in London. In London he worked for a music publisher followed by teaching English and music at Wandsworth School, being involved with the famous Wandsworth Boys’ Choir. On his return to New Zealand, Neil continued his music teaching career at several secondary schools eventually becoming Head of Music at Pakuranga College for 30 years. He was subsequently granted a Queen Elizabeth Arts Council and two Woolf Fisher study awards to pursue music teaching and research overseas in Australia, UK, USA and Canada.

The organ is Neil's preferred instrument but also he achieves satisfaction with his conduction ability with choirs and orchestras. He has retired now from school teaching but passes his talents on with tuition of music knowledge, piano and organ in a private capacity. Neil is married to Margaret and they have three married sons.



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