What is Music Therapy?
Music therapy in the UK is a form of therapeutic practice that uses music to address emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs of individuals. It involves a HCPC registered music therapist who guides a person or a group in musical activities such as playing instruments, singing, listening to music, or composing. The aim is to help people communicate, express emotions, reduce stress, improve social skills, and achieve personal goals related to their mental or physical health.
A bit more info …
Who can benefit?
Music therapy is suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, from children with additional needs to elderly people with dementia, and can include individuals dealing with mental health issues or physical disabilities.
Why Music?
Music has the unique ability to tap into emotions, memories, and cognitive functions that might be difficult to access with words alone. It can help people express feelings they might not be able to articulate verbally and create a sense of connection between the person and the therapist or other participants.
How does it work?
A HCPC registered music therapist works with the individual or group to engage them in activities such as discussing lyrics and emotional responses, playing instruments (drums, piano, guitar, etc.), listening to music, singing, improvising music and composing music.
Music Therapists draw upon the innate qualities of music to support people of all ages and abilities and at all stages of life; from helping new born babies develop healthy bonds with their parents, to offering vital, sensitive and compassionate palliative care at the end of life.
Central to how Music Therapy works is the therapeutic relationship that is established and developed, through engagement in live musical interaction and play between a therapist and client. A wide range of musical styles and instruments can be used, including the voice, and the music is often improvised. Using music in this way enables clients to create their own unique musical language in which to explore and connect with the world and express themselves.
@British Association for Music Therapy 2025
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalised music therapy sessions to support emotional and mental well-being with people of all ages and abilities.
Group Sessions
Group music therapy sessions to foster social connection and healing can be provided in settings such as care homes and schools.
Community groups & workshops
Community based music groups and workshops focused on supporting well-being and connection through music making and activities.
Jess Tiso - Music Therapy 