Alison Talmage

(she, her)

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I am a New Zealand Registered Music Therapist, with a PhD from the University of Auckland School of Creative Arts and Centre for Brain Research. I have worked with people with diverse needs across the lifespan. My PhD research focused on neurological choirs - singing groups for adults with acquired neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson's, dementia, traumatic brain injury). I co-founded and lead the CeleBRation Choir at the University of Auckland and Centre for Brain Research, and Sing Up Rodney in Orewa. Through my doctoral research I developed The VOCCAL Handbook to support the development of new choirs. I am a member of the Music Therapy New Zealand Board and a Trustee for the Kahikatea Music Therapy and Community Arts Trust.

I am a research assistant in the University of Auckland's Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research (Co-Create Age), supporting academics and community to develop research relevant to the needs and interests of older people. Funded by Co-Create Age, I also lead a research development group, Accessing Music Matters, a co-created inquiry into the musical opportunities and aspirations of older people in residential care.

I was awarded an MNZM in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours for services to music therapy and seniors, and a 2020 Local Hero medal (part of the New Zealander of the Year awards) for my work with the CeleBRation Choir.

Experience

  • 2009–2026
    Music Therapist and Researcher, CeleBRation Choir, University of Auckland Centre for Brain Research
  • 2025–2026
    Research Assistant, University of Auckland Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research
  • 2017–2025
    Doctoral candidate, now graduate, University of Auckland School of Creative Arts and Centre for Brain Research

Education

  • 2026 
    University of Auckland, PhD
  • 2015 
    Auckland University of Technology, Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Clinical Supervision)
  • 2014 
    Auckland University of Technology, Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science (Adv. Psychotherapy Practice)
  • 2006 
    New Zealand School of Music, Massey University and Victoria University of Wellington, Master of Music Therapy
  • 1996 
    University of the West of England, Master of Education
  • 1983 
    University of Reading, BA, Music

Grants and Contracts

  • 2026
    Research Development Group - Music Matters: Equity for Older People in Residential Care
    Role:
    Research Coordinator
    Funding Source:
    University of Auckland Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research

Professional Memberships

  • Music Therapy New Zealand
  • Action Learning Action Research Association

Honours

Member of New Zealand Order of Merit

Contact Alison for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration