Rani Allan
Kia ora! My name is Rani Allan (MMusTher, hons) and I am a certified and registered Music Therapist (NZRMTh) based in the Greater Wellington Region.
My love of music and interest in psychology brought me to Wellington in 2007 and a BA in music studies focusing on psychology and Maori 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's 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.
During my two year master's degree I gained experience through practicum and research. I worked in several difference 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, I have started my own small music therapy practice 'Music for Life' which has become a growing practice focusing on personal and quality therapy for all ages and abilities. I am passionate that music therapy is available to all individuals and groups no matter what funding is available.
Kia ora! My name is Rani Allan (MMusTher, hons) and I am a certified and registered Music Therapist (NZRMTh) based in the Greater Wellington Region.
My love of music and interest in psychology brought me to Wellington in 2007 and a BA in music studies focusing on psychology and Maori 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's 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.
During my two year master's degree I gained experience through practicum and research. I worked in several difference 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, I have started my own small music therapy practice 'Music for Life' which has become a growing practice focusing on personal and quality therapy for all ages and abilities. I am passionate that music therapy is available to all individuals and groups no matter what funding is available.
Hazel Barrett
"Music has always been my passion which led me to study for a BA(Hons) in Music from the University of Leeds in the UK, focusing on community music and composition. After graduating in 2012 I worked as a piano tutor and community musician for various charities, including work with families with children with disabilities and leading an informal choir for people living with dementia. I became more interested in the therapeutic power of music and took the chance to return to New Zealand, where I was born, and study on the Master of Music Therapy course at Victoria University of Wellington.
During my degree I undertook practical placements in a school for students with special needs, with young people using mental health services, and in a residential care home for older adults. All of my placements were enjoyable, challenging and rewarding! My research focused on the use of community music therapy with older adults living in residential care. I’m excited to be joining Music for Life and looking forward to sharing music with our clients."
"Music has always been my passion which led me to study for a BA(Hons) in Music from the University of Leeds in the UK, focusing on community music and composition. After graduating in 2012 I worked as a piano tutor and community musician for various charities, including work with families with children with disabilities and leading an informal choir for people living with dementia. I became more interested in the therapeutic power of music and took the chance to return to New Zealand, where I was born, and study on the Master of Music Therapy course at Victoria University of Wellington.
During my degree I undertook practical placements in a school for students with special needs, with young people using mental health services, and in a residential care home for older adults. All of my placements were enjoyable, challenging and rewarding! My research focused on the use of community music therapy with older adults living in residential care. I’m excited to be joining Music for Life and looking forward to sharing music with our clients."
