Heather Masefield heading
Heather Masefield photo

AIRMT, NZAATD

Heather Masefield has been a member of the New Zealand Accordion Association committee since 1981 and Editor of the NZAA Newsletter since 1990. In 2008 she took over the position of Secretary from her mother.  She is the Secretary of the Accordion Examination Board of New Zealand since 1981 and held the position of Institute of Registered Music Teachers Examination Board Secretary from 1993 to 1998.

Heather Masefield has been a Co-Director of the North Shore Accordion Orchestra since 1977, training members of the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra for their 9 overseas concert tours from 1979 to 1996, once to China, 4 times to the USA & Canada, and 4 times to Europe. This orchestra achieved many standing ovations all over Europe and North America.

Since 1996 other accordion groups conducted by Heather Masefield have toured 7 times to Australia and to China. On 3 occasions the Air New Zealand Accordion Orchestra was named a New Zealand Cultural Ambassador in recognition of its promotion of tourism to New Zealand. Heather was also a member of the Radio New Zealand Advisory Committee for five years.

Whilst still at school Heather commenced what was to become a full time accordion teaching career.  Her students have competed internationally in Europe, USA and Australia. Five students have become the New Zealand Solo Champion. Three ex students are now AIRMT, eight others are teaching accordion.

Heather Masefield has been an international adjudicator at accordion competitions in New Zealand, Australia, USA and since 2004, she has adjudicated at Citta di Castelfidardo (2004 – 2007) Coupe Mondiale (2004 France, 2005 Portugal, 2006 Norway, 2007 USA, 2008 UK, 2009 New Zealand, 2010 Croatia) CMA (2006 Serbia, 2008 Bosnia) and in the Shanghai Spring Festival (2009).

Being the youngest of Allan and Marie Jones' children ensured that Heather would grow up surrounded by accordions with many top accordionists frequently visiting the Joneses home and the example of her two older brothers Maurice Jones and Harley Jones.

Heather had plenty of motivation to excel on accordion, winning many age restricted classes in national competitions, recording for radio and at twelve years she became the youngest finalist for the "New Faces" Talent Quest on TV.

Heather, Grayson and Amber Masefield
 
Her family are involved with the accordion with Amber (right), now the Treasurer of the NZAA and Grayson (middle) the 2009 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Champion for concert music and entertainment music and winner of many other international accordion competitions. Grayson is now an international concert artist performing concerts and seminars in many countries each year.

Heather is also a committee member of the North Shore Performing Arts Competition Society and is a committee member of the Milford Residents Association, taking part in many community activities.
 

Contact details:
53 Kitchener Road
Milford
Auckland 0620
New Zealand.
Phone: +64-9-486-3012
Fax: +64-9-486-3012
email: heathermasefield@yahoo.com

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