THE MUSIC LAB

TERM 4 ’26 • ENROL NOW

A creative music space for kids in Whangārei, New Zealand.

MAKE MUSIC. MAKE SOMETHING.

Not just learning songs. Here, young artists experiment, create, collaborate and make real music — in their own way.

Join the Lab

See how it works

PLAY LOUD. STAY CURIOUS.

THE MUSIC LAB

TERM 4 ’26 • ENROL NOW

A creative music space for kids in Whangārei, New Zealand.

MAKE MUSIC. MAKE SOMETHING.

Not just learning songs. Here, young artists experiment, create, collaborate and make real music — in their own way.

Join the Lab

See how it works

PLAY LOUD. STAY CURIOUS.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF MUSIC EDUCATION.

The Music Lab is a safe, creative space for young artists to explore, create and grow.

We believe every child is already an artist. We don't want to turn them into someone else's idea of a musician. We want to give them the tools, encouragement and freedom to discover their own artistic voice.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF MUSIC EDUCATION.

The Music Lab is a safe, creative space for young artists to explore, create and grow.

THE PHILOSOPHY

What makes the Music Lab Different?

The Music Lab exists to give young-artists a safe place to grow — with space to try, to listen, to make a mess, and to find their own creative voice.

KIDS FIRST, MUSIC SECOND.

We start with the child—not a syllabus. We build from their interests, strengths and curiosity.

CREATIVITY BEFORE PERFORMANCE.

Children make, experiment and create—not just reproduce someone else's music.

PLAY BEFORE THEORY.

Experience music first. Learn the theory when it becomes useful and meaningful.

MENTORSHIP BEFORE INSTRUCTION.

We don't simply deliver lessons. We act as creative guides and mentors, sharing real-world experience while giving young artists room to lead.

EVERY CHILD IS ALREADY AN ARTIST.

We don't create artists. We create a safe place for the artist already there to grow.

WHAT HAPPENS HERE

MUSIC IS SOMETHING YOU DO.

Kids play instruments, write songs, experiment with sound, record, collaborate, improvise, explore rhythm, make mistakes and discover what they love. Skills arrive when they become useful — and there’s no pressure to perform perfectly.

COME INTO THE LAB!

Term 4 2026 enrolments are now open. Small groups. Limited places. Whangārei.

Enquire about Term 4

THE LABS

ONE CREATIVE WORLD. DIFFERENT WAYS IN.

Creative and Rhythm Labs are all connected. Each gives young artists another way to find the music they want to make.

Creative Lab

Make, write, record and experiment.

Rhythm Lab

Groove, drums, percussion and movement.

Young artists making music together at The Music Lab

THE ALBUM

THEY DON’T JUST LEARN MUSIC. THEY MAKE IT.

Each year, The Music Lab works toward an album created by the young artists in our community. Their sounds, stories, artwork and ideas become something real they can share.

WHO IT’S FOR

A PLACE TO START — OR KEEP GOING.

For primary, intermediate, and highschool-aged kids in Whangārei. No previous musical experience required. Kids who already play an instrument are welcome. And kids who aren’t sure what they like yet are especially welcome.

The people behind the Lab

WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE.

RIGHT HERE IN WHANGAREI.

The Music Lab was founded by Kyle and Livy Paxton, bringing together two different kinds of experience—and a shared belief in the creative potential of every child.

Kyle grew up in the American South and studied music at Belmont University in Nashville. His professional career has included working as a resident musician at Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, performing with live orchestras, recording for Grammy-nominated producer Dave Brainard, and recording music connected with composers behind Final Fantasy, Super Smash Bros., Journey, and Assassin's Creed.

Some of this work happened right here in Whangārei—in the same studio where The Music Lab happens today.

Livy brings 15 years of experience as a primary school teacher, along with a deep understanding of children, learning and the classroom environment. She helps shape the Lab's programmes, strategy and day-to-day organisation.

Together, we combine professional artistic experience with deep educational experience to create something different: a place where children come first, creativity comes before performance, and young people have the freedom and safety to explore who they already are as artists.

The Music Lab was founded by Kyle and Livy Paxton, bringing together two different kinds of experience—and a shared belief in the creative potential of every child.

Some of this work happened right here in Whangārei—in the same studio where The Music Lab happens today.