What is music therapy?
“Music Therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, delivered by HCPC registered music therapists to help people whose lives have been affected by injury, illness or disability through supporting their psychological, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative and social needs.” British Association of Music Therapy.
Who is music therapy for?
Anyone can benefit from music therapy. I have worked with a wide range of clients including people affected by disability, mental ill-health, neurodivergence, challenging life circumstances, dementia and loneliness.
Do I need to be musical?
You don't need to be able to play an instrument to access music therapy - everyone is musical. If you can move any part of your body or make any sound with your voice, you can make music!
How does music therapy work?
Music therapy makes use of a wide range of interactive music-making techniques including songwriting, improvising, listening, activity songs, singing and more. I work with the client to form individual goals, such as improved emotional wellbeing and regulation, self-confidence, communication and expression. Aims could be physical, such as working on motor skills, or verbal, aligned with speech and language therapy. No two sessions are the same as they are tailored to each individual.
Music Therapy
I deliver music therapy in a familiar environment which suits you. I will travel to you and bring a range of instruments to the session.
All you need is a quiet space where we can focus on music making without interruption or distraction.
Want to explore music therapy for an individual or organisation? Get in touch
Music Therapy in Sheffield
Music Therapy for Organisations
Music therapy is suited to lots of different settings, including but not limited to schools, care homes, hospitals, day centres and hospices.
Sessions can be a mixture of individual and small groups tailored to meet the needs of each organisation.
One-to-one Sessions
I originally trained in the Nordoff & Robbins approach to music therapy, which focuses on shared connection through collaborative music making. It is centered in the belief that everyone is musical and everyone is unique.
My belief is that music can be a powerful force for good and change in the world, on both an individual and wider level. I love how music therapy can change peoples perceptions of themselves and others, their abilities and how they are able to express themselves.
I care about people and I think that everyone deserves a chance to connect with other humans, have autonomy, make their own decisions and be expressive.
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
My Practice
Testimonials
"Kirsty has had such a positive impact on our family. She has always treated our son with the utmost respect, recognising that although he is pre-verbal, he has his own unique ways of communicating. She takes the time to listen, understand, and respond to all of his communication methods, ensuring that his voice is always heard. Through her incredible skill, patience, and compassion, Kirsty has helped build our son’s confidence in ways we never imagined. She creates a safe, encouraging environment where he feels valued and understood, allowing him to thrive through music. We are so grateful for the care, expertise, and genuine kindness she brings to every session. Kirsty is an exceptional music therapist, and we cannot recommend her highly enough."
Private Client
"As an activity co-ordinator I really valued Kirsty’s weekly music therapy sessions. Residents could show us surprising reactions to the sessions that as support staff we could not predict, which then led to further one-to-one sessions that would benefit them.
Kirsty is blessed with musical talent that she tailors to suit the mood of the room, the individual, and the group all at once, she has even frogmarched lots of instruments to inspire any reluctant residents - highly recommend!"
Care home for adults with learning disabilities
"Kirsty's music sessions at Burton Street were a firm favourite with our clients, all of whom are adults with learning disabilities. It was a large group session with approximately twenty participants, but Kirsty engaged the clients in a way which made everyone feel valued and included. From songwriting to soundscape creation, the sessions had a lot of variety and encouraged the people we support to work together as a group whilst also giving each individual opportunities to shine in front of their peers."
Day centre for adults with disabilities
"Kirsty worked with a group of women at Family Voice and created a wonderful safe space where they felt able to express themselves, share ideas and be creative. They even created and recorded a song together which has become a bit of an anthem at Family Voice! What a valuable experience it's been!"
Group for Migrant Women
"I have seen a real improvement in my nephew since he has been having weekly Music Therapy Sessions at his Primary School with Kirsty. His communication has improved, he pays more attention and listens more attentively when interacting with me and I have noticed an improvement in his self-confidence and appreciation of others."
Rick W
"As a result of my grandson having weekly Music Therapy sessions with Kirsty, I have noticed a definite improvement in his confidence, self-awareness and awareness of others. I would recommend Kirsty without hesitation."
Jean B