DOMINIQUE BLATTI - Summer School Co-ordinator

Born in Switzerland, Dominique started to learn the classical guitar at nine years of age, under the tutelage of Senorita De Cruz - a wonderful Spanish lady and gifted musician who taught several different instruments, though the guitar was her instrument of choice. She entered the Geneva Conservatory in 1997, but was unable to complete her studies, having joined her parents on their migration to New Zealand. Dominique committed fully to the playing and the teaching of the classical guitar in 2000, gaining a Grade 8 with Distinction since. She also studied singing with Gabrielle Barr and gained Trinity's Certificate in Performance. Dominique has been a member of the New Plymouth Classical Society since 2005 and was the secretary from 2008 to 2011.

Together with Ross Townsend, Dominique is part of a two guitar duo called 'Guitarra', which has regular private and public performances. She started a guitar orchestra (Con Tempo)  in 2010, which won first place two years in a row at the New Plymouth Competitions. In addition in 2012 Dominique initiated 'Guitarma', a course of study for students that would otherwise be unable to afford lessons or instruments. The Taranaki Classical Guitar Summer School is proud to be a sponsor of the Guitarma program. From 2013, she will start a youth guitar orchestra.

Learn more about Dominique at: guitartaranaki.com