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 has released a debut album produced by Neil Finn and three EPs, earning two APRA Silver Scroll finalist nominations and performing at festivals including Glastonbury (UK), The Great Escape (UK), Bigsound (Australia), and Rhythm & Vines (NZ).
He won Smokefree Rockquest in 2009 and now leads Lila’s partnership with Rockquest, delivering coaching to national finalists, school resources, and judging regional events.
Jesse has also personally mentored two Rockquest National winners:
- Parkdale – National Winners 2023
- Emerson – National Winner 2024
He specialises in helping young bands turn ideas into fully realised original songs and confident live performances.
Joe Lonie – Band Coach
Joe brings decades of live and recording experience and works with students on:• rhythm section playing
- band communication
- groove and timing
- live performance skills
Bella Bavin – Band Coach / Songwriting
Bella began performing through youth competitions like Smokefree Rockquest and developed into a songwriter and bandleader during her school years.
At Lila she focuses on:
- songwriting
- band coaching
- guitar performance
- artist development
Bella is passionate about helping young musicians develop their own creative voice.
Darryn Harkness – Band Coach/ Guitar/Keyboard
Darryn brings huge energy and enthusiasm to his teaching and has mentored several Lila bands to major milestones, including Buzz, who reached the Rockquest National Final twice and later performed at festivals including Rhythm & Vines and The Others Way.
Darryn teaches:
- band coaching
- guitar
- keyboard
Callum Lee – Guitar / Songwriting / Singing
Callum teaches:
- guitar
- singing
- songwriting
Rebecca Melrose – Singing / Songwriting
Her project Haz & Miloux won Best Soul/R&B Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards and has been shortlisted for the APRA Silver Scroll Award for songwriting.
Rebecca teaches:• singing technique
- songwriting
- vocal performance
- band coaching
Sean Martin-Buss – Band Coach/Guitar/Keyboard/Wind/Brass
Sean takes a holistic approach to teaching, emphasising creativity, improvisation and musical curiosity.
Sean teaches:
- guitar
- keyboard
- songwriting
- band coaching
- trumpet
- saxophone
- flute
- clarinet
Liam Beasley – Guitar
Liam teaches:
- guitar
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, Unlike 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.