About Us
We Believe Everyone Can Play!
DeBase Music Centre has been providing quality service to the Central Auckland music community since 2014. We strongly believe that everyone has the talent to pursue music!
Meet the Team

Secia Xu
Owner & Centre Manager
Secia is the cherished Aunty of DeBase Music Centre, always ready to help and support everyone who walks through the door. She established DeBase Music Centre in 2014, driven by her love for music, and is skilled in both the bass guitar and piano. Secia is committed to uplifting the Auckland music community in every possible way!

Eden Clapperton
Senior Piano Tutor
Eden began playing the piano at the age of five and has since enjoyed a thriving musical career. They earned an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance with Distinction from Trinity College London, along with a Bachelor's degree in Music.
Eden cultivates a nurturing and creative learning environment that supports students of all ages and skill levels in developing their musical abilities.

Mark Rees
Senior Drum Tutor
Mark has been a musician for more than 35 years and has dedicated over 20 years to teaching. He has shared the stage with renowned artists and bands, including Ozzy Osbourne, Lamb of God, Fear Factory, Slayer, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, Opeth, Trivium, Psycroptic, Helmet, Shihad, and Exodus during tours in Australia and New Zealand. Mark is an excellent drum instructor with extensive experience, ensuring his lessons are both enjoyable and valuable for learners of all ages and skill levels. Learn more about Mark here -> Mark Rees

Sarah Hope
Vocal Tutor
Sarah Hope is a talented performer and tutor who holds a music diploma and a wealth of performance experience spanning bands, musicals, and choirs. Alongside her teaching and performance roles, she also composes and records her own music, and has a keen interest in advancing her studies in music therapy. Sarah fosters an inclusive and welcoming classroom atmosphere that caters to students of all ages and skill levels.

Bill Rootes
Guitar Tutor
Bill has built a successful career in both music performance and composition. As a solo artist, guitarist, instrumentalist, and composer for multiple bands, he showcases an impressive array of talents. Bill fosters a welcoming classroom atmosphere that caters to students of all ages and varying skill levels.
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Visit his profile here to learn more -> Bill Rootes | SOUNZ

Gracie McKay-Simpson
Piano Tutor
Gracie is currently pursuing studies in composition and classical performance at the University of Auckland, following her achievement of several ABRSM qualifications. While she is a talented pianist, her primary instrument is the harp! Gracie specialises in providing piano accompaniment for both vocalists and instrumentalists. She fosters a warm and inviting classroom atmosphere adapting her approach to meet each individual's needs.

Carawei Gao
Drum/Guitar Tutor
Cara is a talented multi-instrumentalist and music producer. Cara was a driving force in the powerful femme-fronted rock band Venom Dolls until the group disbanded in 2022. In 2022-2023 she joined girl punk band, "Cootie Cuties” as their drummer and recording engineer. Currently, she serves as a session drummer for various projects. Cara fosters a welcoming classroom atmosphere that caters to students of all ages and skill levels, with a flexible approach to instruction.

Ella Flores
Vocal/Speech and Drama Tutor
Ella Flores specialises in musical theatre, having earned a Bachelor of Performing Arts from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art. In addition to her teaching, Ella is an accomplished performer. She notably participated as an actor in a six-month theatre tour throughout Australia and New Zealand with New Zealand Playhouse. Ella creates a welcoming and nurturing classroom environment, making it ideal for learners of all ages and skill levels.

Mikeala Stroud
Vocal/Speech and Drama Tutor
Mikaela Stroud is a Kiwi-American vocalist based in Central Auckland specialising in Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theatre training as well as credentials in Speech and Drama performance and direction. They are an accomplished jazz vocalist and songwriter with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Politics and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Vocal Performance from the University of Auckland. They’ve been trained in classical singing technique, jazz and musical theatre style for the past 15+ years. Outside of teaching, they frontman the original music projects Piece of Mind, Kaloula and Oronym, and have worked as writer, director and producer for multiple productions, including 2024 Fringe’s The Hand that Locks the Holding Pen and original projects such as their original musical On Replay. They are a working musician and actor, specialising in musical theatre, having worked with companies such as Auckland Music Theatre, Manukau Performing Arts, and G&T Productions / Amici Trust. With their experience and continued training, they look forward to bringing any student into the world of the performing arts through understanding and finding their voice, whether that be on stage or at home.

Taylor
Studio Dog
Taylor regularly makes appearances at DeBase Music Centre, where he receives lots of attention (and pets!). Taylor loves listening to the beautiful music being created and his favourite place to be is in the piano classroom!