Meet The Team
Dean Rainey
Dean Rainey is the director here at Studio 8 Music. He has been a primary and secondary school music teacher, performer, and recording artist for almost two decades, both internationally and here in New Zealand. He offers a vast wealth of experience as a musician, teacher and educational leader. Dean is a fully qualified music teacher with a Bachelor of Music and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning.
Dean has (and still does) play professionally in bands and has had extensive experience working in various performance situations. These include radio, TV, musicals, cover bands, original bands, orchestras (conducting and playing), mentoring school rock bands and studio work/recordings.
Dean enjoys songwriting and arranging and has released music in bands and as a solo artist. Feel free to check out his work on Spotify, iTunes, or YouTube. 😉
Dean has a natural way of connecting with people and igniting a passion for music. He builds confidence and skills in children of all ages to challenge themselves, further developing their abilities and transferring these skills to other areas of their lives.
Dean is looking forward to meeting you and supporting your child on their musical journey.
Meryn Rainey
You may come across Meryn from time to time as she manages the office and website here at Studio 8 Music.
Meryn is an experienced educator and has worked in New Zealand and internationally for a number of years, teaching at reputable international schools in both Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. She originally started out in music education and completed a Certificate in Contemporary Music before moving in a different direction on her education pathway. Meryn loves music and enjoys seeing people feel empowered and confident with the skills they are developing.
Meryn has three boys aged between 2 and 8 years old. She enjoys spending time hanging out with them and creating memories together. When she is not with her family, she can be found running on a trail somewhere in nature or heading off on a travel adventure.
Samuel Nicholson
Samuel Nicholson, a superb musician and talented tutor, has joined Studio 8 Music. He is a passionate musician who loves to share his knowledge with others. He grew up in Whangamata and first started learning guitar at the age of ten spending most of his school years playing in bands with friends and busking in the streets during the summer months. Sam played regularly at the summer markets and local pubs. He recently completed a diploma in Contemporary Music (2021) and has recently released his first song on Spotify. Over recent years Sam spent most of his time writing and producing music. He is currently working on an exciting EP project that is due to come out very soon! His passion for music has only grown over the years, and he continues to develop his skills by studying jazz and helping produce other artists. Sam loves sharing this passion and enabling others to find the same joy and fulfilment that he’s found through music.
Daniel Leabourn
Our newest addition to the Studio 8 Music Team is the talented Daniel Leabourn. Daniel is in his final year as a student at Tauranga Boys College and is also a very talented musician. He plays a range of instruments and specialises in vocals and guitar here at Studio 8 Music. Daniel comes from a musical family and has played and sung in many groups over the years, gaining experience across a broad range of styles, including rock, pop, reggae, jazz, and funk. Last year, his band, Unit 51, placed third Nationally in Smokefree Rockquest with over eight hundred bands participating. Daniel also sings and plays Trombone for the TBC Big Band. In 2023, the band successfully placed first at the Wellington MEFA Music Works Ensemble Festival, receiving a gold placement in the National Youth Jazz Competition, and placing third in the Young Jazz Band-it Competition. He also busks occasionally on the weekends in the Mount and is constantly playing gigs around the Bay of Plenty. Daniel is looking forward to sharing his passion for music with others.
