An Introduction to Music Therapy in the UK

A short film from the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT) explaining what music therapy is, who it's for, and why it matters. A good starting point if you're new to the field.

A Child's Journey with Music Therapy — Nordoff-Robbins

This Nordoff-Robbins case study follows one boy's experience of music therapy, showing how sessions unfold in practice and the difference they can make. Nordoff-Robbins is the largest music therapy charity in the UK, with a particular focus on children with special educational needs.

Vocal Psychotherapy in Practice — Diane Austin

A more specialist look at one particular approach within music therapy. Therapist Diane Austin uses improvised singing with a client, demonstrating how the voice itself can become a therapeutic tool. Vocal psychotherapy is one of several specialist areas within the broader music therapy profession.

Singing and Neurodiversity — Inspiring Voices Podcast

In this episode of the Sing Up Foundation's own Inspiring Voices podcast, music therapist Alice Nicholls joins Abigail Mann-Daraz to explore how singing can support neurodivergent children and young people. Drawing on their own lived experience as well as professional practice, they discuss how music creates pathways to connection, self-expression, and wellbeing for young people whose voices often go unheard.

Explore This Section

This page is part of a series developed with Sarah and Vicky. You might also want to read:

• What is Music Therapy? — an introduction to how music therapy works in practice

• The History of Music Therapy in the UK — from wartime roots to a regulated profession

• Music Therapy in Action — how Sarah and Vicky use their training in their work with Place2Be

• One Boy's Journey with Music Therapy — a case study following 'Luke' and the role music therapy played in his life