Civic Award Honour 2015

Arts & Culture

Nan Tait

Students of piano have benefited from the skills and talent of Nan Tait for over 63 years, both as a private music teacher and at Queenswood School, Hastings, in the 1950’s. She has taught piano, conducted singing classes and assisted on the musical side of productions and other gatherings. She also taught at Lindisfarne College and Woodford House.

Nan became a member of the Wellington Branch of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers in 1964, and is regarded as a valuable member of the Hawkes Bay branch, giving her support whenever she can.

She is an extremely skilled accompanist, who has supported countless singers and instrumentalists of all ages and levels of achievement throughout her career. When living in Wellington, she auditioned and was selected to be an accompanist on the panel for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation concert programme.

Nan helped students competing in the National Secondary Schools Chamber music contest and has performed in many concerts held in the Havelock North Function Centre as well as playing in Hastings and Napier concerts. She enjoyed entertaining residents at retirement villages and playing background music at openings of art exhibitions in Hastings.

Nan has given a lifetime to music in Hawkes Bay which has enabled musicians from all walks of life to reach their full potential as performers.

Nan Tait is renowned for her cheerful, caring and inspirational style of teaching and has demonstrated an enormous commitment to music.