Music Therapy and Music Participation

With Sarah McColl Wiltshire & Vicky Guise

A wonderful opportunity to do a deep dive with two leading music therapists. Sarah and Vicky generously share their knowledge, creating this guide and film which helps us to understand how music therapy fits with music participation in general.

What is Music Therapy?

In this video and accompanying article we hear from Sarah and Vicky about what music therapy encompasses and how participants are involved.

The History of Music Therapy in the UK

This guide was developed for us by Sarah McColl-Wiltshire and Vicky Guise, two UK music therapists. It explores the history of the profession, from its wartime roots to the regulated discipline it is today.

Music Therapy in action

How Sarah and Vicky use their Music Therapy training in their work with Place2Be.

Videos about Music Therapy

A curated collection of films exploring music therapy in practice — what it is, how it works, and how it connects to the wider world of singing for wellbeing – selected by Sarah McColl-Wiltshire and Vicky Guise.

CASE STUDY: One boy's music therapy journey

Hear how ‘Luke’ (not his real name) made room in his life for healing through music therapy.

About Singing for
Mental Health

Understanding Mental Health

Singing for Mental Health

Exploring Effective Practice

In this section

Singing & Health - the evidence

Types of Singing Activity for Mental Health

Music Therapy & Music Participation

Creative vocals and 'agency' in singing - a rapid research review

Policy Research Overview - Children & Young People's Mental Health & Wellbeing

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Singing and Neurodiversity

Join experts Abigail Mann-Daraz and Alice Nicholls as they unravel the complex world of inclusive singing, bringing their personal experiences and professional insights to the forefront.

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About the Authors

Sarah McColl-Wiltshire

Sarah dabbled in a few different instruments throughout primary and early secondary school including violin and flute, but it was not until she was allowed to pick up a second instrument aged 14 that she found her passion in classical guitar. Sarah studied Applied Music at Strathclyde University in Glasgow with a focus on guitar performance. After graduation, Sarah realised that there was something missing for her and, after feeling lost for a while, realised that the missing element was helping others. Sarah worked as a support worker for children and adults with learning disabilities before starting her therapy training. Sarah’s first placement during training was with children in a primary school, and she has since then focussed her work on supporting children experiencing emotional difficulties and their families. Sarah enjoys integrating art and play with music, which is what led her to working with Place2Be.

Vicky Guise

Vicky qualified as a Music Therapist in 2019, having completed her training at the University of South Wales. Initially, Vicky trained as a flute player at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, during which time she auditioned to be part of the Live Music Now scheme. This work involved performing for people that may not be able to access live music through traditional routes in places such as care homes, hospitals and SEN schools. This work in particular led to Vicky exploring further ways she could use music to connect with others and what led to her training as a music therapist. Since qualifying, Vicky has worked a variety of client groups including older adults, people who have experienced brain injury, stroke survivors as well as children and young people. She now works for the arts organization Chroma, particularly working in school and neuro rehabilitation settings.