Meet our Team
The Crescendo team are highly skilled industry professionals from music to social enterprise that are united behind our mission to help the rangatahi of New Zealand to achieve brighter futures.
Our Youth Mentors
Calla Knudson
Pathways Programme Manager
Music is at the core of Calla’s being. She’s passionate about facilitating healing and connection through music. Joining Crescendo has allowed her to nurture that passion. Calla is an operatically trained soprano, pianist and violinist and holds a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) in Performance Voice and Music Production as well as a Bachelor of Social Sciences. Calla has released two studio albums and tours actively across Aotearoa. Calla brings a wealth of expertise to her role through her background as a manager, youth facilitator, music teacher, vocal coach, fundraiser, and volunteer coordinator. Calla sees the importance of mentorship within the creative industries, and through her role at Crescendo, Calla aspires to forge whanaungatanga and community to empower rangatahi to pursue their passions.
Jasmine Penne
Youth Mentor
Jasmine's passion lies in sharing her experiences with rangatahi, guiding them as they explore the healing power of music. Her connection to music spans production, beat making, singing, songwriting, live performance and organising hip-hop and R&B events. She is a proud Māori wahine from South Auckland, hailing from Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Arawa, and Ngāti Porou iwi. Her achievements include winning the 2020 Ta Manu Tito Waiata and E Tū Whānau songwriting awards and establishing her own Hip Hop and RnB event, Rhythm & Poetry. Jasmine aims to provide a nurturing environment for rangatahi to explore music as a tool for expression and growth, both technically and emotionally. Jasmine stays grounded through gratitude, connecting with whānau and friends and using music as a therapeutic outlet.
Ciara Bernstein
Youth Mentor
Ciara is passionate about community and connection. As a Youth Mentor, she’s discovered how rewarding the role is, finding that she learns as much from the rangatahi as she shares with them. She began her musical journey as a guitarist and drummer in bands. She has a Bachelor of Audio Engineering, and in 2018, founded The Vault – a DIY all-ages venue, recording studio and practice space, which became a thriving, inclusive creative community. Ciara is eager to help others discover the transformative power of music through her work at Crescendo. She recommends drumming as a self-care practice, believing there's no better way to clear the mind and relieve stress.
Louise Sang Cheung Burling
Youth Mentor
Louise is a classically trained concert pianist who has evolved into a self-taught producer and audio engineer. She holds a LTCL/ATCL in Pianoforte from Trinity College in London and a MArch Professor in Architectural Design from the University of Auckland. She combines creativity with technical expertise in her musical and professional pursuits, believing that making life art is her greatest achievement. Her work with Crescendo is fuelled by a desire to support rangatahi in their musical ambitions. She aims to mentor young artists to help them recognise their value and grow as creators in society. Louise’s self-care practice often involves a ritual of cleaning both herself and her space — whether that’s washing her hair or tidying her studio. She finds peace and clarity in creating a clean, organised environment.
David Atai
Music Production Mentor
Over the past 20 years, David has built a dynamic career in music as a guitarist, music producer, songwriter, audio engineer and performing artist. Along the way, he's had the chance to perform globally, work with some of the best musicians and engineers and receive numerous awards. At Crescendo, David brings his two decades of experience to support the next generation of musicians. Crescendo offers him the opportunity to not only share his skills but also continue to grow alongside those he mentors. He empowers rangatahi to explore their creative journeys, encouraging them to dive into every aspect of their craft, just as he did. When he’s not making music, you’ll find him driving — another form of self-expression that keeps him grounded.
Kevin Vane
Music Production Mentor
Kevin is a beat maker and producer of Samoan descent who was born and raised in Mt Roskill. He is a talented musician who has won numerous national awards including Jazz soloist of the year, Jazz combo of the year and was part of the Big Band of the year for NZ High Schools. He was first drawn to Crescendo as a producer/mix engineer and would use the studio outside of classes to work on his own beats and to produce music for other artists. In 2025 he completed Crescendo’s Audio Engineer Internship programme. Kevin enjoys sharing his knowledge of music and wellbeing and loves finding opportunities artists and producers to collaborate on songs. When not in the studio or making music, Kevin enjoys spending time with his young family.
Our Audio Engineers
Reece Muir
Music Production Mentor
Reece is an experienced audio engineer and musician with a strong passion for passing on his expertise. He plays guitar, and bass, and enjoys sample-based production, working with clients to help them grow as artists. His love for reading led him into audiobook recording and production, combining two of his interests. He completed his Bachelor of Music Production at the School of Audio Engineering, which he considers his greatest achievement. At Crescendo, he enjoys working in a dynamic space that bridges the gap between rangatahi/youth and commercial clients, allowing him to foster creativity and make a real impact. Outside of the studio, Reece’s life is a balance of fitness, surfing, and relaxation. He enjoys daily walks, gym sessions, and finding a good sauna.
Ryan Fairweather
Audio Engineer (Contractor)
Ryan is an experienced Audio Engineer with a strong background in musical composition and production. His expertise extends into podcast and audiobook production, as well as sound design. He holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts from the Music & Audio Institute of New Zealand. At Crescendo, his passion for learning and collaboration drives his unique approach to every project, so he's always adapting and improving. Ryan is a nature enthusiast, often seeking time outdoors to recharge through travel and hiking. One of his proudest achievements is releasing his first single, Elizabeth with his band The Flat Whites.
Our Leadership Team
Cat Percy
Crescendo CEO
Cat is passionate about systems change, entrepreneurship and profit-for-purpose models. Cat is a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community and is intentional about amplifying marginalised voices. Cat has a Russian History and Literature degree, with minors in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. She has an extensive background in small business development and social enterprise growth. In 2015, she followed her passion and transitioned from property acquisition and project management to the not-for-profit sector. Since joining Crescendo, Cat has developed a strategy to increase sustainability, grow operational capacity and expand impact for our rangatahi. Cat enjoys cycling, basketball, playing in a Samba percussion band, is a fan of all genres of music and loves making playlists to soundtrack her life.
Joanne Luxton
General Manager - Studio
Jo brings extensive experience to her role as General Manager, having worked across the creative industries, and for various not-for-profits in sales, operations, marketing, fundraising, partnerships and business growth. She holds an honour’s degree in advertising and an MBA in Operations and Management. Passionate about collaboration, Jo enjoys the daily variety of her role and seeing our young talent grow and develop their music and audio careers. She also finds joy in her daily walks with her Labrador - Charcoal, and her favourite album is The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Zoe Erickson
Funding Specialist
Zoe is a freelance funding coordinator and copywriter. She has over 20 years of experience in arts management, events, marketing, producing, general management, and funding and holds a Bachelor of International Communication. She started her career in the Auckland art scene and is a founder of The Kaipara Centre for Arts Charitable Trust, a community hub that showcases the arts, nurtures wellbeing and supports growth. Crescendo’s mission aligns well with her interest in dynamic projects and people. She understands the challenges young people face and is driven by a desire to give them a hand up and help them find their place in the world. She finds solace in poetry and enjoys time in the sun and by the sea, at BBQs with friends, or doing Yoga.
