WE ARE LOUD
CHARITABLE TRUST
The purpose of We Are Loud Charitable Trust is to use musical education as a pathway to personal development for students who would otherwise be unable to access those opportunities.
We Are Loud Charitable Trust aims to:
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Provide fully or partially subsidised music lessons for students who face financial constraints and, where necessary, access to instruments and resources to enhance their learning (eg, supplying music books, loaning instruments etc)
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Develop a music education and development programme that builds positive self-image and self-confidence in students and providing scholarships to students otherwise unable to access those opportunities
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Provide a safe and inclusive space within the community for students awarded scholarships and for those who provide those services
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Ensure that those providing these services are appropriately trained to deliver services to students with diverse needs.
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Provide other support and assistance consistent with this charitable purpose.
Scholarships
Scholarships are considered and awarded by a committee. The committee aims to be fair in all decisions and take all known factors into consideration when awarding scholarships. Students may receive a full or partial scholarship for music lessons, based on the committee's consideration and funding available.
Scholarship Applications
To apply for a scholarship, please fill out the form here.
Term 2 2025 - applications will be open from 24th February-6th April, processed between 7-13th April, with decisions finalised by Sunday 27th April.
Term 3 2025 - applications will be open from 19th May-19th June, processed between 23rd-28th June, with decisions finalised by Sunday 6th July.
Term 4 2025 - applications will be open from 11th August-13th September, processed between 15th-20th September, with decisions finalised by Sunday 27th September.
All scholarships awarded at any time will continue to the end of the calendar year, and beneficiaries are required to re-apply for scholarships to continue for the following year.
MEET THE TEAM
Jane Kelsey
Chairperson
Dr Jane Kelsey is a retired law professor from the University of Auckland/Waipapa Taumata Rau with a strong commitment to social justice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, in line with the trust’s values and objectives. As a former trade union president and chair of a number of community organisations she also brings experience in governance and a network of contacts who are keen to make themselves available to support the trust in achieving its goals.
As the aunt of Jo Kelsey, Jane has seen how We Are Loud has changed the lives of many young people (and some older ones!) in West Auckland through its people-centred and inclusive approach to music education since the studio was established 5 years ago. In the past, many of these students have benefited from informal scholarships and/or support with instruments. The charitable trust seeks to build on those initiatives and create a sustainable platform to support students who would otherwise be unable to access these opportunities, and Jane is delighted to help contribute to making it a success.
Leea Lamatoa
Board Member
Leea Lamatoa is a dedicated music educator based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She is a vocal and songwriting teacher at the University of Auckland, various high schools and a private vocal coach for professional artists. She has a passion for helping people discover the weird and wonderful things the voice can do, and for demystifying its inner workings.
Leea also works as the Regional Director of Tāmaki Makaurau for Girls Rock Aotearoa, working to empower young women, trans and non-binary youth through music.
When Leea is not playing music or teaching, you can find her at a market, watching cartoons, or spending time with friends.
Steve Wheadon
Board Member
Steve has worked in the music and events industry for over 25 years, with a diverse number of roles and on some of the world’s smallest and largest shows. With a history in club promoting that grew into working on Olympic games and some of the largest stadium tours in recent years, Steve brings a breadth of expertise when it comes to how the industry works. He is currently Vice President of Production and Logistics for Live Nation Australasia and splits his time between Australia and New Zealand, whilst currently studying psychotherapy in Auckland.I believe a person-centred approach to teaching, development and management results in happier and more productive spaces for people to learn and grow. The freedom to create and the space to do so is a luxury many do not have. The work of Jo and the We Are Loud Team ensures those often excluded from this luxury have the opportunity to experience and grow their creative muscles. It is a beautiful and special gift to the individuals they teach, and the community at large.
Jo Kelsey
Board Member
Jo Kelsey is the director of We Are Loud Music School, where she is dedicated to empowering musicians of all ages to explore their creativity, build confidence, foster community, and improve mental health through the power of music. Jo founded We Are Loud as an inclusive and safe space for musicians, educators, students, and whanau, particularly those from the rainbow, disabled, and neurodiverse communities, ensuring everyone has access to opportunities to grow and thrive.
With 15 years of experience as a music educator, Jo holds a BMus (Hons) in Vocal Performance and a Diploma in Music Teaching, along with extensive studies in psychology, coaching, performance anxiety, and neurodiversity. As a voice teacher, Jo is passionate about helping others discover their unique voice in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. She is also a committee member of the New Zealand Association of Singing Teachers.
Previously a performing and recording musician in both London and New Zealand, Jo has experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the music industry as a young female artist. This motivates her to educate and empower the young people at We Are Loud, creating a more inclusive and equitable space for all musicians.
Jocelyn Visser
Board Member
Jocelyn Visser is a HR all rounder, dubbed Chief Problem Solver by her clients, with a proven track record of making HR easy for people managers and businesses. Jocelyn is the Director of Compass Consultancy and works as a Consultant across New Zealand.
As a Chartered Member of HRNZ she stays abreast of best practice, thought leadership and changes to the employment landscape.
Jocelyn’s approach to advice balances co design and holistic practices with commercial acumen and pragmatism – leading to an experience which ensures teams get the results they need while also engaging workers.
As a member of the We Are Loud choir and a voice and piano student, Jocelyn hopes to bring her business acumen and love of music and the We Are Loud kaupapa together in her role on the board.
MEET OUR STUDENTS
Whilst we are committed to ensuring the confidentiality of all students receiving scholarships and additional support, we can share some kind words and statistics:
In Term 1 2025, we were able to offer scholarships or assistance to nine students. Two of these students received fully subsidised lessons, six received partially subsidised lessons, and one received an instrument. All of these students received free lesson materials as/when required. Students receiving scholarships were of either NZ Maori, South East Asian or South Asian descent. Two of these students were neurodiverse and all would have otherwise been unable to access regular music lessons. Scholarship students took a mix of both group and private singing, piano, violin, drum and violin lessons.
"Jo, Becca, and their team at ‘We Are Loud’ have offered incredible support to a number of young people with a range of diverse high and complex needs that I have worked with the years. They have demonstrated a consistent ability to be flexible and accommodating to their students changing needs, each time that they see them, and have always been willing to change things up in the moment to keep young people engaged. They are caring and encouraging, and have built an incredibly supportive environment where young people can feel safe to try new things, make mistakes, and practice new skills."
- Marykate Daley, Registered Psychologist
“Overall, my experience has been very positive and I truly appreciate the professionalism, support, and communication throughout. I felt well-informed and supported at every stage, and the team was responsive and helpful whenever I had questions. Thank you for providing such a well-organized and supportive experience.”
“My needs are well met with We Are Loud and I am glad to attend my lessons. I am progressing because the facilities available make me feel that I am valuable.”
“I have learnt to pay attention to music in ways that I hadn't before, let alone to play an instrument. It’s given me the perspective that being a musician is actually a possibility for me. I aspire to play piano and drums the way I see on videos of musicians. I tell myself that one day, I might be that good too. It gives me hope.”
“We Are Loud is very welcoming and comfortable.”
“We Are Loud has given me a sense of community. I belong to something bigger than myself. It gives me a goal to work towards, a support system to help me get there, and a community to belong to. It has given me hard obstacles to work towards and overcome, it’s given me aspirations to aim for, and it’s given me skills I didn't know I could achieve.”
“Lessons with We Are Loud have been a constant in a difficult time of life.”
“We are Loud feels completely accessible and takes their students learning capabilities into account completely, and adjust their approach where necessary."