Our Team
Our small private practice is an ACC registered vendor. It focus' on quality therapy. All our therapists have a Masters' in Music Therapy from Victoria and Melbourne University's, are registered Allied Health Providers and follow a Code of Ethics. Our therapists are fully Covid vaccinated to protect our vulnerable clients. They are also goal-oriented and client-focused, each having a specialist area they enjoy working in.
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Rani Allan
Certified and registered Music Therapist (NZRMTh) with NZChild Safety Certification to work with High and Complex Needs Children. Practice Manager and Owner.
My love of music and interest in psychology brought me to Wellington in 2007 and a BA in music studies focusing on psychology and Māori studies. I was interested in how different musical cultures can shape an individual's life and take on personal meaning. After finishing my BA I was accepted into a selective Master of Music Therapy program with Victoria University. Two years (and a lot of practical experience) later I graduated and became a fully qualified, registered and certified music therapist in 2012.
During my two year master's degree I gained experience through practicum and research. I worked in several different settings to gain understanding and experience. This included a special needs unit within a school, a community house for adults with different intellectual needs and a hospital for adults living with dementia and other mental health issues. I specialised in my final year and researched and wrote a thesis based on Kitwood's model of needs and my experiences as a student music therapist in a psycho-geriatric unit and how music therapy has the ability to fill the needs of those living with dementia.
Since graduating in 2012, I have started my own small music therapy practice 'Music for Life' which has become a growing practice focusing on person-centred and quality therapy for all ages and abilities. I am passionate that music therapy is available to all individuals and groups and support all clients in accessing funding for music therapy.
Anna Sedcole
Certified and Registered Music Therapist (NZRMTh) MMusTh (Hons), BA (Hons), PGDip (Comm), ATCL (Voice)
"Originally from Christchurch, I spent my formative years learning piano and violin, playing in competitions and orchestras and later singing in choirs. Singing became a serious hobby and I spent several years in the New Zealand Youth Choir, then Voices New Zealand. Currently I sing regularly with Wellington-based early music ensembles The Tudor Consort and Baroque Voices. I also lead or co-lead several community singing groups around Wellington. During my Master of Music Therapy degree, I gained valuable experience in placements at older age residences, including a secure dementia unit; at an acquired brain injury unit; and at a mainstream primary school. I wrote my thesis on supporting the interpersonal communication of children with learning support needs at a mainstream primary school. Since graduating, I have worked in several older age residences, (including clients with dementia), at schools with students with communication needs (including autism spectrum disorder), and in private residences with children who have experienced trauma. I have a certificate in Understanding Dementia from the Wicking Dementia and Education Centre, and like the other therapists, I am constantly looking for chances to upskill as part of my professional development. I love the relationships that are formed and strengthened in music, whether it be in community singing groups or in one-on-one sessions. I love the way music can transcend a person’s disability and that anyone can enjoy playing music, regardless of ability or experience. I feel very lucky to be employed in such a rewarding career, and I look forward to meeting you!"
Anthony Manere
Bachelor of Psychology at Ithaca College in New York, USA.
Master of Music Therapy at Victoria University in Wellington, NZ.
"My passion to become a Music Therapist was sparked while studying psychology and music. Combining these two passions was a long term goal of mine. After a year exploring the mental health field as a behavioural therapist in the US, I decided to travel to Aotearoa to pursue a degree in Music Therapy.
I offer a behavioural approach to therapy with a goal oriented mindset. I believe that music can be an enjoyable and motivating vehicle for learning, growth, and connection. I am glad to be able to combine my passion for music with a full-filling roll working as a music therapist within a number of different fields and institutions."
Karina Auer - Part-Time Wairarapa Region
Certified and Registered Music Therapist (NZRMTh)
"I have a profound appreciation for the healing power of music, shaped by both personal and professional experiences. Originally from Germany, I immigrated to New Zealand in 2010. After finishing my work and travel year, I fell in love with the country and the people. I was determined to stay and completed my Master's in Music Therapy in 2019. My journey into music therapy was deeply influenced by my father's recovery process after suffering a brain aneurysm, where I became familiar with the profession of music therapy.
During my studies, I focused on integrating families into therapy sessions, recognising the vital role that family support plays in the healing process. This holistic approach has been a cornerstone of my practice. I take great joy in working across diverse settings, forging strong professional relationships with my clients and their families, and witnessing the benefits of music therapy.
Music therapy is more than a profession to me; because of my personal connection, I enjoy working in rehabilitation and connect the therapeutic power of music to my clients’ emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. I am passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments where individuals and families can thrive together through the power of music."
Rick Berry
Certified and Registered Music Therapist (NZRMTh), MMusTh (University of Melbourne)
I’m all about using music to make positive changes in people's lives. I have worked in London, Melbourne and now in Wellington in a variety of community settings, however I have spent most of my time supporting autistic young people to reach their wellbeing goals. I firmly believe in social inclusion and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
I have a Masters of Music Therapy from the University of Melbourne, during which I did a lot of my placement in mental health, working in both inpatient and community settings. I find this work particularly rewarding because of the way music can support people to express, process and validate their feelings and experiences.
My approach is evidence-based and person-centred, meaning I tailor each session to your specific needs and preferences. Whether it's using instruments, singing, or simply listening, I create a supportive environment for you to explore and connect. If you are looking to try a therapy that can support emotional expression, physical rehabilitation, stress reduction, cognitive functioning and other areas of wellbeing, please reach out."
Hazel Barrett
Certified and Registered Music Therapist (NZRMTh)
Music has always been my passion, which led me first into working as a piano tutor and community musician with various charities in the UK. I became more interested in the therapeutic power of music and took the chance to return to New Zealand and study on the Master of Music Therapy course here, graduating in 2019. I have worked primarily within special education, with people with disabilities in a variety of settings, and with older people including those with memory loss and dementia. I love the variety in what I do and the immense privilege of building relationships and seeing lives changed through music.
I worked for Music for Life in 2019 – 2023, and now after a short time away in the UK I’m excited to be returning to the team!