ELITE STUDIOS TUTORS
Meet the Heartbeat of Elite Studios: Our Diverse Team of Tutors
At Elite Studios, we pride ourselves not only on our commitment to excellence but also on the rich tapestry of experiences and backgrounds that our team of tutors brings to the table. Each member of our Elite crew is not just an instructor but a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration for our students. Together, we form a vibrant community united by our passion for music and our dedication to nurturing talent.
NYREE HUYSER
Elite Studios Owner
Vocal Coach
Scottish-born dynamic vocalist, Nyree Huyser, celebrates over 20 years of international success in the entertainment industry and most recently reached Rita Ora’s top 3 contestants on season 12 of ‘The Voice Australia’.
Most recently Nyree performed at Once In A Lifetime with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as part of SYNTHONY, making history as one of the first artists to perform at the One NZ Christchurch Stadium. She has also headlined festivals such as Jim Beam Homegrown, SYNTHONY Festival and Rhythm and Alps. In her career, Nyree is proud to have performed in bucket-list venues such as the O2 Arena in London and Saudi Arabia's island oasis ‘Sindalah’, where she opened for none other than soulful sensation Alicia Keys.
Nyree frequently performs her own headline shows internationally including a special tribute to Céline Dion - ‘The Power of Céline’ - so far having performed in Greece, Belgium, France, the UK, Japan, the Philippines, Mauritius and Fiji with more dates planned for the next few years.
SOPHIA SAVAGE
Vocal Coach
Sophia’s love for the performing arts began at an early age, with a childhood immersed in music, vocal training, and stage performance. She received formal vocal coaching throughout her youth and was an active member of the Taranaki Youth Choir, where she developed strong foundations in harmony, technique, and ensemble performance.
Her passion for musical theatre led to training in dance, acting, and voice, which culminated in notable stage roles including a Dynamite in Hairspray and Miss Smythe/Ensemble in Mary Poppins with the New Plymouth Operatic Society.
In 2018, Sophia moved to Christchurch to pursue a Bachelor of Performing Arts, majoring in Musical Theatre. During her time in training, she performed in productions such as 42nd Street, Holiday Inn, and It’s Only Life, and graduated in 2020 with a deepened skill set and love for performing.
Most recently, Sophia stepped into the spotlight as Grizabella in Cats with JKPA
In addition to her work on stage, Sophia is passionate about teaching and mentoring others in the performing arts space. She finds great joy in helping people discover their voice, build confidence, and embrace their full potential through creative expression.
BECKY MAYES
Vocal Coach
Becky started singing at an early age, performing at music clubs and events, and competing in singing competitions via NPACS. She was the lead vocalist in her high school rock band who competed in the televised Smokefree Rockquest, making it into the finals!
Upon leaving school Becky completed a 2-year Diploma in Performing Arts (Voice), which involved singing in Italian, French & German. She also performed in the Napier Operatic Society’s West Side Story.
Over the years she has performed live as a soloist as well as in duos, trios & bands throughout New Zealand and currently performs as a soloist based in Christchurch.
Becky is so excited to now be a part of Elite Studios where she has the privilege of helping others in their journey of a love of singing.
EMMA MOORE
Junior Vocal Coach
Emma Moore is an emerging solo artist, songwriter, and vocalist with over a decade of training and stage experience. Her journey began as a four-year medalist with the Christchurch Schools’ Special Choir before starring as Jane Banks in the Court Theatre’s production of Mary Poppins. She was later chosen as one of two Christchurch representatives for the JTNZ Pilot Programme in Auckland, working closely with Broadway directors and musical producers. Since then, she has taken on a variety of roles in youth and professional productions across Christchurch.
Having trained at Elite Studios, Emma is excited to return as a tutor and share her passion with new students. Alongside her performing career, she is an avid songwriter with extensive experience creating original music and is currently in the works of releasing her own music.
Emma also brings skills in piano to support her teaching. Her lessons focus on building confidence, stage presence, and vocal technique across RnB, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Classical, and Pop, as well as songwriting and artist development.
STEPHEN JAMES
Guitar Tutor
Stephen James is a highly experienced guitarist, drummer, performer, music producer, and tutor based in Christchurch, New Zealand. As one half of the popular duo Page28, Stephen has earned a reputation for delivering polished, engaging live performances across a wide variety of venues, weddings, corporate events, and private functions.
In addition to performing, Stephen has extensive experience in recording studio production, including recording, arranging, and producing music for both individual artists and collaborative projects. His broad knowledge of musicianship and audio production allows him to support artists through every stage of the creative process, from songwriting to the finished recording.
Stephen is also a passionate guitar and drum tutor, teaching students of all ages and skill levels. His patient, encouraging, and personalised approach helps students build strong technical foundations while fostering creativity, confidence, and a lifelong enjoyment of music. Whether mentoring beginners or experienced musicians, Stephen is committed to helping each student achieve their individual musical goals.
SOPHIE HOLT
Vocal Coach
Sophie’s love for the performing arts began at the age of seven and has been a constant thread throughout her life. Growing up singing in choirs and learning guitar from the age of eight, music quickly became a creative outlet. Songwriting remains her greatest passion, and she has released original music on streaming platforms under the name SOPH.
She later studied a Bachelor of Performing Arts at NASDA, specialising in Musical Theatre, where she developed her skills in singing, acting, and storytelling through performance. After spending time in Auckland exploring life outside the arts, Sophie found herself drawn back to what she loves most: creativity, connection, and performance. She is now doing her Graduate Diploma at the University of Canterbury to become a secondary school Performing Arts teacher, hoping to inspire young people to find their own voice through music and the arts.
THOMAS GILCHRIST
Junior Vocal Coach
Tom has been performing since he was in primary school and is no stranger to the stage. A Center Stage Rolleston regular, he has performed with the theatre company ever since they launched back in 2018 with their production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Most recently Tom led as Robbie Hart in the Wedding Singer and as Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family Musical.
Tom has also written and released music to the world under the stage name ‘Tom Kingsley’. His debut single ‘Suitcase’ was the 18th fastest growing single in NZ on Spotify in 2019. Tom was one of Elite Studios’ very first students in 2020 and has since worked with some of the most reputable tutors in Canterbury.
