2010 Student Profile

6 hours of practice per day might sound excessive, but Gabrielle Peake's motto is 'You only get out what you put in'.

Gabrielle is studying towards a Bachelor of Music with Honours in performance piano. Originally from Te Awamutu, she met with staff and students in Music prior to enrolling in her Bachelors degree, which helped her to make her final choice about where to study.

"I felt very welcomed and inspired.  I went to a few of the concerts that the Music programme put on and was really impressed with the high standard of music performance and professionalism", she says.

Since beginning her studies at Waikato, Gabrielle has developed a wider appreciation of music genres and the creative and performing arts in general.  She has also quickly improved on her level of musical knowledge and performance.

"My piano teacher is fantastic.  She is so passionate about music and has helped me to develop skills that will last me a lifetime.  The performance teachers put all their attention and efforts into teaching and bringing out the very best in their students.  They love what they do and it reflects onto their students", she says.

In 2008, Gabrielle was the recipient of the Lili Kraus Piano Award and in the same year received a University Blues award for outstanding commitment and artistic progress in piano studies.   This year she became a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar, which not only helps financially but also provides a great support network that will help her to achieve her personal goals and aspirations. 

"There's no better satisfaction than knowing that you have tried your best, and if you be patient, hard work will be rewarded in some form or another when you least expect it", she says.

Gabrielle enjoys teaching young students the piano and would one day like to run her own teaching studio where she can pass on her passion and love for music to many others as well as continuing to perform solo, chamber and accompany accomplished musicians in the wider community.

"Classical music especially, once you have an appreciation for it, is so healthy for you.  I would like to be part of helping people of all ages appreciate the classical genre more."