Performance-Focused Music School in Auckland
Lila School of Bands is a contemporary music school in Auckland specialising in band coaching, songwriting, guitar lessons, singing lessons, and modern music education for young musicians.
Over the past five years, hundreds of young musicians across Auckland have taken part in Lila’s band programs, music lessons, holiday workshops, and school music initiatives.
Our approach is simple:
students learn music best by playing with others, writing songs, and performing live.
Many of our students go on to perform regularly, release original music, and compete in Smokefree Rockquest, New Zealand’s leading youth music competition.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help young musicians develop confidence, creativity, and real musical skills through playing in bands, writing original music, and performing live.
We believe music education should be collaborative, inspiring, and rooted in real musical experiences — not just individual lessons in a practice room.
Meet the Tutors
Lila’s teaching team was described by one parent as “the dream team” — a group of highly experienced, gigging musicians who bring real-world experience into every lesson.
Jesse Sheehan – Founder / Lead Band Coach
Jesse Sheehan is a professional musician and educator based in Auckland.
His career has included performing and touring internationally with artists such as Neil Finn, Dave Dobbyn and Ny Oh, including supporting Harry Styles at Mount Smart Stadium. more
Joe Lonie – Band Coach
Joe Lonie is the bassist for legendary New Zealand funk-rock band Supergroove, one of the country’s most influential live acts.
Their debut album Traction reached #1 on the New Zealand charts and the band won multiple New Zealand Music Awards. more
Bella Bavin – Band Coach / Songwriting
Bella Bavin is a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter best known as the frontwoman of Auckland indie rock band Coast Arcade.
Coast Arcade have toured and performed alongside artists including The Beths, Princess Chelsea and Ladyhawke. more
Darryn Harkness – Band Coach/ Guitar/Keyboard
Darryn Harkness is a highly experienced performer whose projects include Snuffer, Loud Ghost and The New Telepathics.
Across his career he has shared stages with international artists including Muse, Pixies and Buzzcocks. more
Callum Lee – Guitar / Songwriting / Singing
Callum Lee is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter behind the project Rewind Fields, and a collaborator with artist Aiden Fine, performing at major festivals and contributing as a producer and songwriter.
Callum brings a thoughtful and empathetic approach to teaching, helping students develop confidence as musicians and creators. more
Rebecca Melrose – Singing / Songwriting
Rebecca Melrose is a vocalist and songwriter who performs under the name Miloux.
With a background in jazz performance and improvisation, she blends electronic, soul and pop influences into her music. more
Sean Martin-Buss – Band Coach/Guitar/Keyboard/Wind/Brass
Sean Martin-Buss is a professional multi-instrumentalist performing on saxophone, guitar, bass, keyboard and trumpet.
Over the past 13 years he has performed and recorded with artists including The Beths, Upper Hutt Posse, Mazbou Q and the Exploding Rainbow Orchestra. more
Liam Beasley – Guitar
Liam Beasley first joined Lila as a student at age 14.
Five years later he is now a highly in-demand session guitarist, performing regularly with Emerson and artists such as Frankie Eventer, touring nationally and internationally. more
Learn Music at Lila
Students at Lila can take part in:
• Band Programs
• Guitar Lessons
• Singing Lessons
• Songwriting Lessons
• Keyboard Lessons
• Ukulele Lessons
• Holiday Music Programs
Lessons are available for beginners through to advanced musicians.
Join the Lila Community
If you’re looking for a music school in Auckland that focuses on creativity, collaboration and performance, Lila School of Bands provides a supportive environment where young musicians can grow.
Students don’t just learn songs.
They write them, rehearse them, and perform them live.
Real Industry Experience
Many music schools focus solely on individual music lessons — guitar lessons, singing lessons, kUnlike many traditional music schools, Lila is built around working musicians actively involved in the New Zealand music scene.
Our tutors have experience in:
- touring bands
- recording studios
- national music competitions
- songwriting and production
- live performance
This means students learn practical skills used by real musicians, not just textbook theory.
Music Lessons at Lila
Students at Lila can learn:
- Guitar Lessons
- Bass Lessons
- Singing Lessons
- Songwriting Lessons
- Keyboard Lessons
- Ukulele Lessons
- Rock Band Coaching
Lessons are available for beginners through to advanced musicians.
Join the Lila Community
Whether students want to start their first instrument, write original songs, or prepare for Smokefree Rockquest, Lila School of Bands provides a supportive, creative environment where young musicians can grow.
Enquire now to book a lesson or join a band.