Stan Bicknell Inspires Music Ākonga

The last Friday before the April semester break concluded on a high note for 40 Toi Ohomai music ākonga who attended a drumming masterclass with well-known Kiwi musician, Stan Bicknell.

At Totara Street in Mount Maunganui, our music students heard insights into the international music scene, strategies for continuing to improve their craft, and the importance of developing business acumen within the competitive sector.

A former Toi Ohomai Diploma of Music student himself, Stan’s career is wide-ranging. He has worked with Shapeshifter and Kimbra, and is the former drummer of pop-rock group 48 May. In July, Stan’s travelling throughout the UK and Europe to play the drums on Natasha Beddingfield’s 2025 tour. 

Stan works across multiple other avenues within the music industry, including teaching drumming locally and internationally on Drumeo. Discussing his career with the students, Stan credited his “edge” to genuinely caring about his instrument and being relentlessly dedicated to continually improving.

“Everything else is just work,” he said. “Set your goals and standards high, and you’ll crush it.”

During the session, Stan played the drums to a range of songs, from pop and rock to reggae and metal. He also commented on the rise of technology within the sector removing barriers for New Zealand musicians seeking out international careers.

“It doesn’t hold us back anymore. We can be on a plane within 24 hours, collaborate and make music online, get instant feedback, and upload records from anywhere.”

Toi Ohomai Diploma of Music (Level 5) student, Richard Preest, who plans to open a Performing Arts School in the Bay of Plenty once he graduates said he found the masterclass very informative.

“Stan covered a wide range of topics outside of drumming including important business skills and personal traits required for success, and how those things intertwine with music.”

Another Diploma of Music (Level 5) ākonga in attendance, Ben Goodall, plays the electric guitar and said he found Stan’s masterclass phenomenal despite not being a drummer himself.

“All of the information Stan shared applied across instruments and genres. He also reminded us of the level of discipline required to reach levels of success. Stan was really open!”

Now back on campus for second half of semester one, Toi Ohomai music ākonga were visited by another successful international musician just last week - London-based New Zealander, Rietta Austin.

Rietta Austin is one of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing vocalists, previously opened for Bon Jovi at the O2 Arena in London, and has sung the vocals on motion picture soundtrack songs. Rietta was at Windermere on Friday 2 May sharing her Singers and Speakers First Aid Kit with ākonga.