Stories

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Jada’s story

Jada is sixteen, and has Down Syndrome and is autistic. Music therapy sessions offered a safe space where she could express herself freely - helping to support her emotional regulation and concentration, as well as her motivation to engage in other things.

Read the story

A child holds a beater above a xylophone instrument atop a table.

All Autism Brain injury and neurological Dementia and older age Fundraising partners Learning difficulties Life circumstances and grief Medical and life-limiting illness Mental health Music therapy partners Our clients Our team

During a music therapy session, someone is seated. A person stands next to them with an acoustic guitar, reaching their hand towards them.

Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home

Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home is located in Chester. Part of the Sanctuary Care group, the home provides residential care, in addition to dementia, nursing and palliative care.

Legends Global

We've partnered with Legends Global, the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences, venue management and event strategy.

Salah and music therapist Anna smile, as they high five during a music therapy session.

Salah’s story

Music therapy gives Salah purposeful activity and meaningful ways to connect, helping him to grow in confidence.

A person sits on a stool playing a snare drum with two drum sticks.

Moorlands View

Music therapy has helped to develop opportunities for both connection and community building at Moorlands View

A selection of handheld bell instruments in bright red, yellow, orange, pink and blue are on top of a table next to a tambourine. The background of the image is deliberately blurred but there are some people sat down in front of a window.

Mary’s story

Mary is a woman in her nineties. She lives in a care home, where she began participating in both group and 1:1 music therapy sessions with Reuben, one of our music therapists.

Music therapy client Tim has headphones on, as he professionally records both of his own songs at Shabbey Road Studio.

Tim’s story

Music therapy has allowed Tim, an accomplished musician coming to terms with a brain injury and amputated arm, to rediscover a sense of purpose and identity.

Charlotte, a Nordoff and Robbins music therapy client, smiles at an iPad next to music therapist Alan as he plays the keyboard.

Charlotte’s story

When Charlotte was recovering in hospital and struggling with her movement and speech, music therapy helped her rediscover her voice and find hope for the future.

Smiling Romano leans forward in his chair as he looks towards his music therapist during a music therapy session.

Romano’s story

At age six, Romano began music therapy. Through music, Romano was given the chance to express himself, opening up a world of possibility.

Ali is focused during a music therapy session, as he sits to play the guitar. Music therapist Kerry plays the piano.

Ali’s story

Music therapy helped Ali, an Iranian refugee, cope with the anxiety of his asylum application, make meaningful connections and rebuild his focus and confidence.

A close up shot of a guitar, held and played by one of our music therapists.

Lauren’s story

For Lauren, an adult with cerebral palsy who’s been coping with bereavement, music therapy offered a space to process complex emotions while cultivating resilience and hopefulness.

A person holds onto a brightly-coloured ukulele, as they play a song during a music therapy session

Joy’s story

After her beloved husband passed away, singing in the Mountbatten Hospice Community Choir has given Joy a sense of peace and helped her feel like a person again.

Jonathan plays the symbols sitting in his bed in hospital, as music therapist Jose plays the keyboard.

Jonathan’s story

During his painful and exhausting cancer treatment, music therapy helped Jonathan overcome his isolation and find new ways to express himself.

A set of hands play music on a keyboard, as a music therapy session takes place at a Nordoff and Robbins partner school

Ava’s story

Ava has complex health needs that have resulted in her being non-verbal, but joining our online Community Choir during the Covid pandemic helped her find her voice.

Betsy holds a bright pink ukulele during a music therapy session, as her and music therapist Oli sing together.

Betsy’s story

Music therapy has unlocked Betsy’s creativity and given her a welcome distraction from all the medical procedures she is undergoing to treat her brain tumour.

Geoff sits at a drum kit during music therapy with Fraser, his music therapist, who plays along beside him.

Geoff’s story

After a massive heart attack put many of Geoff’s previous hobbies beyond his reach, music therapy drum sessions brought a welcome new rhythm to his life.

A pair of maracas are held in the air during a music therapy session, as people excitedly join in the session.

May’s story

May is learning to use music with increased independence, to reflect on her emotions and thoughts in the moment.

Music therapy client Inez smiles as she sits outside in the long grass, one hand on an acoustic guitar

Inez’s story

When Inez started having music therapy sessions she was mesmerised from the start. “Her eyes light up and she smiles,” says Inez’s mum, Julia.

Music therapy client Mr G is standing outside, slightly smiling as he looks directly into the camera.

Mr G’s story

While Mr G lived in the hostel, music therapy became an important part of his week, improving his self-esteem and giving him a break from negative thoughts.