[1] She earned an LCTL in pianoforte and theory, and then completed a Master's degree in mental health at the University of Otago.

[2][3] Rickson notes that when she qualified and began working as a music therapist in the 1990s, there were "only a handful of us in the country".

[7] Rickson retired from the New Zealand School of Music in 2021, having taught over 100 postgraduate students, and retains adjunct professor status.

[7][9] Rickson's research focuses on people with complex needs, and how to use music to enable greater community participation for marginalised children and adults.

[7][8] In the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to music therapy.