Specialisms

I am the musical director of the Hutt Valley Community Choir and I conduct 2 children's choirs

Additional information

A dynamic choral conductor and music educator with over 26 years of experience directing choirs in New Zealand, Canada and France, Susie brings a passion for song leading and developing voices to enjoy the full range of the choral experience. She has strong working relationships with choral directors and music professionals throughout New Zealand, and has organised and delivered music tours and events both here and overseas. Her fluency in several languages and knowledge of global musical traditions give her a unique perspective on developing innovative, challenging and inspiring choral programmes that expose her youth choirs to a full and rewarding musical experience.

Susie Hardie was born in Angola, where her Brazilian parents were missionaries. She has lived in 9 different countries in 5 continents, and speaks several languages. Her extensive experience abroad has given her a passion for music from around the world.

Susie fell in love with choral singing in Brazil, where she sang in several choirs and toured around the country performing. While living in France, Susie conducted the Choeur du Saleve children’s choir, in St. Julien de Genevois. In Canada, Susie conducted four children’s choirs, winning several awards in choral competitions. After coming to live in New Zealand in 2000, she helped establish an after-school choral programme at Chilton St. James’ school, with two choirs, Brio and Cherubs, that she directed for 8 years. She has also conducted Schola, the top choir at St. Mary’s College, and has presented workshops for the TRC Early Childhood Conference and for the Royal Schools of Church Choirs. Susie has been invited as a guest conductor to the Wellington Young Voices,  the Wellington Community Choir, the Manawatu Community Choir and the St. James children’s choir. She has been the assistant director of the Hutt Valley Community Choir since 2011 and became musical director in 2016.

Susie has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario. She is a French and Music teacher at Queen Margaret College, where she conducts two choirs and three wind bands. She has specialist training in the Kodály Method of music education.