Born and raised in Christchurch, Shelley Spang graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in vocal performance. Shelley also holds LTCL Diplomas in both singing and piano studies.
At 15, Shelley became a member of the 1988 National Youth Choir, winning at the International Choral Festival in Vienna, and performing at the Welsh Eisteddfod. Following university, Shelley spent five years in London studying privately. She also has a Postgraduate Diploma of Music Therapy from Roehampton Institute in Surrey.
Since returning to New Zealand in 1992, Shelley has established a career in music therapy, working with clients covering a wide range of disabilities.
Shelley was a foundation member of Tower Voices New Zealand. In 1999, the choir represented New Zealand in Noumea. She was also an accompanist for the New Zealand Male Voice Choir from 2011–2015.
Shelley is a member of the New Zealand Registered Teachers Association and a UK-registered music therapist. She combines a private studio, teaching both singing and piano to students of all ages, with teaching piano, theory and vocal students at Christ's College. Shelley also adjudicates nationally.