AMBER RAINEY M.Perf, B.Mus(Hons), LMusA, AMusA, AIRMT In New Zealand Amber Rainey has worked as a pianist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington, Auckland Philharmonia, Chamber Music New Zealand, New Zealand Opera, Stroma and the New Zealand School of Music. In other official capacities she has adjudicated for various competitions in the North Island. Originally from Wellington, Amber studied piano with Gillian Bibby, Diedre Irons, Rae de Lisle and Sarah Watkins. As a teen she was twice a national finalist in the Secondary Schools Chamber Music Competition and was twice a member of the National Youth Orchestra, receiving the NYO Special Prize. Amber graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Honours in Collaborative Piano and as Top Scholar in Performance. She was then invited to study for her Master’s Degree in Chamber Music and Vocal Accompaniment at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London on scholarship. At the Guildhall Amber placed first in the conservatoire’s Accompaniment Competition. Following her studies there she worked at the school as a professional accompanist for vocal classes and held a fellowship position. Amber has also trained and worked at the National Opera Studio, London as an Emerging Artist. Here she undertook training as a répétiteur and vocal coach and participated in company residencies at Welsh National Opera and Opera North, Leeds. Her experience in London also includes music directing and chorus mastering. Amber loves teaching and has always had a thriving student base. She has taught in 3 higher institutions, including the New Zealand School of Music, as well as in primary schools and colleges in England and New Zealand. Her students regularly place in competitions and score highly in exams.