Music therapy

What we do

Music is a powerful tool for expression. It can touch our emotions and allows a freedom of communication which needs no words. Music therapy uses shared music-making to help children cope more effectively with their lives and difficulties, and allows them to show their potential. It is based on the understanding that all human beings are able to respond to music irrespective of ability or disability, and is supported by a growing evidence base and child development psychological theory.

In our sessions the therapist and the child make music together—it is shared and spontaneous—through this the two establish a musical relationship in which emotions can be expressed, explored and worked through in a safe environment.

What are the benefits of music therapy?

  • Helping a child develop their communication skills—promoting concentration and listening skills
  • Helping the child to find ways to express feelings creatively and constructively beyond their behaviour
  • Helping parents’ understanding of their child’s evolving needs and helping families grow and develop
  • Providing emotional support
  • Our service currently offers both online and face-to-face sessions

We hold outpatient music therapy assessment clinics for children referred to our service, and design integrated packages of individual and group therapy for children who have profound developmental, communication, social and emotional needs. We also run outreach and early intervention services in the community.

We support parents and carers—including skills enhancement training—and provide education and consultation to other healthcare professionals and the voluntary sector. We are active in the research arena and are engaged in a number of projects, including international collaboration and health promotion work. We work very closely with other professionals within the hospital and local community settings including child development centres, children's centres and local schools.

Using music at home 

There are many benefits to making music at home with your child. It can be enjoyable and assist your child in areas of their development and with their emotional wellbeing. Below are some resources that can help you to do this.

Music and mindfulness

Music can have a powerful psychological and physiological effect on the body. Here is a short video made by a music therapist sharing ways in which you can use music to manage your mood and help you to feel better if you are finding things difficult.  

Music therapy in maternity care

Here is a short video made by a music therapist sharing two ways in which you can use music to support your baby’s development and have fun with them!

Babies are musical and communicative little beings ready to engage with you. They love your voice, and already know it really well. 

Using music at home 

For more activity ideas and videos made by our team please visit:

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) offer

Available for:

Our team

Our team of specialists, led by Claire Flower and Juliet Wood, have a wide range of skills and experience. These allow us to provide a flexible and responsive service to children and their families. We work very closely with other professionals within the hospital and local community settings including child development centres, children's centres and local schools. All of our therapists have completed post-graduate training and are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

  • Claire Flower, Consultant Music Therapist
  • Juliet Wood, Clinical Lead for Music Therapy
  • Christina Lydon, Senior Music Therapist
  • Emma Bailey, Senior Music Therapist
  • Julia Serebriakov, Senior Music Therapist
  • Susie Bajali, Music Therapist
  • Crystal Luk-Worral, Music Therapist

Location and contact

The music therapy team is based at three sites across Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Westminster.

    T: 020 7266 8863

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