[2][3][4] He began learning the piano at the age of five and later played the double bass in the Auckland Junior Symphony Orchestra.

[8] Returning to New Zealand, he taught English and music at Otahuhu College and also began appearing on television as an interviewer and as host of quiz show 'Top of the Form'.

[8] Cryer hosted an entertainment show called 'Cryer and the children' which ran for 10 years and resulted in 15 albums of songs.

[7] He served on boards for the Auckland Festival, Central Theatre, Northern Opera and was a judge for the Watties Book Award.

In the 1995 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to entertainment.