Formerly Head of Piano at the University of Auckland, Rae de Lisle is one of New Zealand's most sought-after piano teachers. She received an Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Auckland and the Marie Vandewart Memorial Award in 2011, and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music in 2015.

Many of Rae's former students have gone on to international success, including receiving First Prizes at the Sydney International Piano Competition, the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, the Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, the Perrenoud Foundation International Piano Competition and the Lee University International Piano Competition.

Rae trained for eight years in England with Maria Curcio, Cyril Smith and Brigitte Wild, leading to an international career as soloist and chamber musician. She played many concertos with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia and Orchestra Wellington. Her recordings include Morgen: Songs for Cello with cellist Andrew Joyce and Portrait with Piano, featuring music by Jenny McLeod.

Rae's PhD on the musicians' injury focal dystonia was nominated for the Best Thesis Award at the University of Auckland. Further research led to new instrumental retraining concepts, with keynote speeches and numerous presentations at global conferences. She has since developed the online course Exploring Piano Technique and published Fit 4 Piano and Fit 4 Piano Etudes, the latter commissioned by Creative New Zealand.

Rae adjudicated the 2024 Award and has served on many other international juries.