I have been a musician as long as I can remember. My parents purchased my instrument when I was around 6 or 7. A few years later I fell in love with playing the Saxophone. With some great mentors and tutors I continued to develop my skills, performing in various local bands and music groups, which helped me grow as a saxophonist and has indeed been a great asset to knowing how a saxophone should play. 

My journey with instrument repair in 2020. After a few years of making music, my saxophone just wasn't playing like it used to. Certain notes just weren't playing right, the mechanisms just weren't moving like they should, my instrument just didn't feel right. I quickly discovered the lack of instrument repair technicians in Hawkes bay. Knowing the time it takes to send my saxophone away to Auckland or Wellington to get repaired, not only in shipping time but because all of the repair technicians are so busy in New Zealand, I knew something needed to be done. I decided to learn instrument repair to serve our music community here in Hawkes Bay.  

After some time, I found a 'Learn saxophone repair online' and quickly discovered my passion for repair. I was so inspired by the amazing people at Lisa's clarinet shop and their desire to train repair technicians worldwide to serve their communities, I knew I had to continue with their Master Technician courses. Learning from an amazing tutor in Bruce Marking with his 40 years of experience in woodwind repair really was a dream come true.

I am so proud of the work I am doing to support so many musicians and students in Hawkes bay to have instruments that are not only playing better, but inspire them to increase their love for music and grow their desire to share it with others. I can't wait to hear your story and help you to get your instrument in top playing condition

Duke Smith-Holley

Saxophone & Woodwind Technician