There’s no better way to understand the impact of the Rhapsody Rotorua Youth Music Festival than by hearing directly from the teachers who have experienced it.
From inspiring performances and meaningful cultural experiences to unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships, schools continue to tell us just how much their students gain from being part of this unique festival.
We recently hosted an information webinar for teachers, providing an overview of the festival, a closer look at the musical experience, and, most importantly, the opportunity to hear firsthand from teachers who attended the 2026 Rhapsody Rotorua Youth Music Festival.
A huge thank you to Jason, Marian and Matt for generously sharing your experiences and insights. Your perspectives offer a wonderful glimpse into what makes Rhapsody Rotorua such a special experience for students and teachers alike. You can watch the recording here:
Testimonials
Phil Smith
Nambour Christian College, QLD
"The Rhapsody Rotorua Music Festival was a fantastic experience for all involved, and we return home with wonderful memories, improved musicianship, and a greater appreciation for the power of music to connect people from different schools and backgrounds."
Jason Taggart
Ormiston College, QLD
"Our group had an incredible time with Rhapsody Rotorua. The tour provided a wonderful mix of music, culture and unforgettable experiences that our students will remember for years to come.
The opportunity to perform at local schools was a genuine highlight. It was a rewarding experience to connect with students in New Zealand through music, and our performers gained so much from sharing and learning together.
We also loved the activities throughout the tour. The Skyline Rotorua Luge was a huge hit, and visiting Hobbiton was a magical experience that exceeded expectations. The Māori cultural experiences were another standout (the buffet was AMAZING!), giving our group a deeper appreciation of New Zealand's heritage and traditions.
The combination of performance opportunities, cultural experiences and iconic attractions made for a memorable tour. Thank you to everyone involved in creating an experience that our students, staff and families will be talking about for a long time."
Marian Coe
Albany Creek State High School, QLD
"Exceptional experience, outstanding service, value for money and a lifetime of memories were made for our staff and students. Cannot recommend Rhapsody Rotorua highly enough!"
Andrew Sutherland
John Forrest Secondary College, WA
"Rhapsody Rotorua provides a musical opportunity that cannot be matched at home. The value of exchanged ensemble experiences is transformational for music students!"
Matthew Barker
Carine Senior High School, WA
"WorldStrides is a fantastic and experienced company that provides comprehensive educational tours. The Rhapsody Rotorua music festival is an fantastic experience for students and offers a unique opportunity for students to be immersed in Māori culture, workshops and clinics with local NZ music educators and performers, perform in local schools, perform in the beautiful Sir Howard Morrison Centre and meet and engage with students from other schools around Australia and New Zealand. I would highly recommend both WorldStides and in particular the Rhapsody Rotorua Music Festival to any teachers looking for a value-for-money and educational International Music Tour."
Ready to experience Rhapsody Rotorua?
If you're looking for a music tour that combines performance, learning and cultural experiences, we'd love to help you plan your school's next adventure. Contact us to learn more about the next Rhapsody Rotorua Music Festival or visit the landing page here.
