Performance-Based Music Education for Primary, Intermediate & Secondary Schools
Lila School of Bands delivers structured, engaging school music programs across Auckland.
We bring professional musicians directly into schools to run band coaching, ensemble programs and group instrument lessons — all designed to build confidence, teamwork and real musical skills.
Our programs are practical, flexible and performance-driven.
Rock Band Coaching
Our flagship in-school program.
We mentor student bands weekly, developing songwriting, musicianship, vocals and stagecraft — the four key Smokefree Rockquest marking categories.
Our coaching has helped develop:
- Parkdale – National Smokefree Rockquest Winners (2023)
- Emerson – National Smokefree Rockquest Solo/Duo Winner (2024)
“All hail Lila School of Bands and the help they gave to us when we were just a wee band.”
— Parkdale
“I would definitely recommend Lila to any young musician.”
— Emerson
Lila is a proud partner of Smokefree Rockquest, delivering specialist coaching to National Finalists. Founder Jesse Sheehan won Rockquest in 2009 and is a 4× Rockquest Judge.
Students rehearse in real bands and work toward meaningful performance outcomes — whether internal showcases or competition stages.
Download our free Schools Information Pack →
Wind + Brass Ensembles
We run structured Wind + Brass ensemble programs designed to strengthen technical ability, listening skills and ensemble discipline.
Students develop:
- Tone and technique
- Blend and balance
- Rhythmic precision
- Performance confidence
These programs suit primary, intermediate and secondary schools wanting structured instrumental collaboration and clear progression.
Group Instrument Lessons
Guitar • Keyboard • Ukulele
We deliver structured group music lessons in:
- Guitar
- Keyboard
- Ukulele
These programs are ideal for schools introducing instrumental learning at scale.
Students build:
- Chord fluency and rhythm
- Coordination and technique
- Foundational music theory in context
- Ensemble awareness
Lessons can run during school hours or as co-curricular programs and are suitable for beginners through to developing players.
Rock Choir
Our Rock Choir program offers a contemporary, performance-focused alternative to traditional choir.
Students learn:
- Harmony and vocal blending
- Projection and confidence
- Contemporary repertoire
- Stage presence and performance skills
Rock Choir works particularly well in intermediate and secondary schools looking to engage a broad range of students in modern vocal performance.
Supporting Rockquest & Performance Pathways
For schools entering Smokefree Rockquest, we provide structured preparation and mentoring.
As a proud partner of Smokefree Rockquest, Lila delivers specialist coaching to National Finalists and contributes band development resources nationally.
We understand the competition pathway from every angle — competitor, mentor and judge — and help students maximise their preparation and performance.
What our School partners say about working with us
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Lila School of Bands. The meaningful experiences our students gained were phenomenal. I would fully recommend any school to grab the opportunity to work with Lila.”
— Nick Wilson, Principal, Ponsonby Intermediate
“‘A Big Thank you to Lila School of Bands for the work they have done with our students, it’s exactly what we were hoping for, so goal achieved!’
– Meegan Hill, Deputy Principal, Kohimarama School
“Lila School of Bands has demonstrated incredible professionalism and inspired both our songwriters and rock bands. The guidance provided has boosted our students’ confidence and enabled them to further develop their craft.”
— Rachel Larcombe, HOD Selwyn College
“At Te Kānani School, the Lila School of Bands has been transformational. Our students are not just learning music; they’re building teamwork, confidence, and discovering their own potential. This program has brought our music curriculum to life.”
— Margaret Aikman, Principal, Te Kānani School
Why Schools Partner With Lila
Schools choose Lila because we provide:
- Professional working musicians as tutors
- Structured, performance-based programs
- Clear organisation and communication
- Competition-ready band coaching
- Engaging group music lessons
- Confidence-building performance opportunities
Our school music programs in Auckland are designed to strengthen student engagement and build lasting musical skills.
Bring Lila Into Your School
If your school is looking to:
- Launch or strengthen Rock Band programs
- Establish Wind + Brass ensembles
- Introduce group Guitar, Keyboard or Ukulele lessons
- Start a contemporary Rock Choir
- Support Rockquest entrants
We would love to talk.
Download our Schools Information Pack or enquire about bringing Lila into your school today.