About Us
Founded in 1989, North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre is a registered charity dedicated to improving health and wellbeing through the power of music therapy. For over 30 years, we have been supporting people of all ages and abilities across North Yorkshire and beyond, using music as a safe, creative, and evidence-based therapeutic tool.
Our team of highly trained, professionally registered music therapists and community musicians deliver tailored individual and group sessions in a wide range of settings, including schools, healthcare environments, care homes, community venues, and from our Music Therapy Centre at The Byre in Hovingham. Every session is designed to build on each person's strengths, address their individual needs, and support them in achieving meaningful health and wellbeing outcomes.
We believe everyone should have access to a space where they feel heard, valued, and able to express themselves without judgement. Through music, we help people build confidence, develop communication and social skills, improve emotional wellbeing, and connect with others in ways that words alone cannot.
Alongside our therapeutic work, we provide training, workshops, and public talks to increase awareness and understanding of music therapy, while contributing to the continued development and research of the profession. Every day, we are privileged to witness the life-changing impact that music therapy can have, and we are committed to making these services accessible to as many people as possible.
Our Work
We focus on four key areas of practice:
Children with special educational needs
We work in both special and mainstream schools, supporting children to develop communication, confidence, emotional expression and engagement through tailored music therapy.
Adults with learning disabilities
Through group and individual sessions, we support adults to build social interaction, communication skills and independence, working closely with care providers and support staff.
Mental health support
We provide flexible, community-based and clinical support for older children, young people and adults experiencing mental health challenges, creating safe spaces for expression, connection and wellbeing.
Older people and dementia care
We support people living with dementia and their carers through both community programmes and care home settings, helping to improve quality of life, connection and emotional wellbeing.
These four areas reflect a consistent, needs-led approach, ensuring our work is accessible, relevant and meaningful across different stages of life and care contexts.
Our History
Our work today builds on a rich history of innovation and community impact, from pioneering mobile therapy services to developing new community-based programmes.