Deborah Rawson studied clarinet at Canterbury University, New Zealand, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. She returned to New Zealand and became established as soloist, chamber and orchestral player, university tutor, and founding member/leader of several chamber ensembles [Zelanian Ensemble, Pro Musica, Constanza Trio, Tango Virtuosi, The Café Klezmer Band, Saxcess, and others].
Orchestral activities have included principal clarinet of Sinfonia of Wellington, and contract orchestral soloist with the NZSO, on soprano, alto, tenor saxophone and all members of the clarinet family. Featured soloist on many cds and sound tracks for the NZSO and New Zealand film and television industry, she currently holds the position of Head of Woodwind at the New Zealand School of music, Wellington.