John Ropiha is looking forward to stepping into the role of Audio Lecturer at SAE Auckland. 

John has been working at SAE since 2013 as a Studio Supervisor. He completed both the Diploma in Audio Engineering and a Bachelor in Recording Arts at SAE, which John says was life-changing for him.

‘It was incredible being able to do the things I loved. It didn’t feel like work, just like I got the chance to make awesome music every day.’

John is excited about taking up the lecturer role, ‘I like working with students because I had such a formative time doing both the Diploma and Degree. I look forward to sharing that passion with my students.’

Of Danish/Maori decent (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngati Kahungungu), John spent the first seven years of his life living in Denmark and is bi-lingual. He is currently learning Te Reo.

A talented musician, he plays bass, piano, drums and is a singer. He has a special passion for music and gaming, and how that influences the experience of the player.

‘I first realised music was important in storytelling as a teenager playing Final Fantasy. The music influences the gamers enjoyment – it’s the thing that can stay with you, even when the details of the game fade away.’

Dr Suzette Major, SAE Campus Director says, ‘We searched far and wide for a new Audio Lecturer, but John proved himself head and shoulders above the other candidates. He is a technical wizard, a fantastic audio engineer, an impressive musician and is passionate about teaching. I’m thrilled he’ll be taking on the Audio Lecturer role.’