Our History
The History of North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre
The North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre (NYMTC) was founded in 1989 by Mary Abbotson, a trained music therapist, alongside her husband Raymond. A passionate advocate for accessible, community-based therapeutic services, Mary sought to create a space where individuals could experience the transformative power of music. In 1990, NYMTC officially became a registered charity (No. 702533), further solidifying its commitment to supporting the local community.
Innovation in Service Delivery
Understanding the challenges posed by North Yorkshire’s expansive rural landscape, where many clients faced long travel distances to attend therapy, Mary and her husband Raymond developed a ground breaking solution. They introduced a mobile music therapy room—an adapted van designed to bring therapy directly to clients in their own neighbourhoods. This innovation ensured that everyone in the community had access to music therapy, regardless of location.
As the charity grew, it began offering outreach music therapy sessions in clinical settings such as hospitals, special education needs (SEN) schools, and hospices. These outreach programs helped expand the reach of NYMTC and allowed it to serve a diverse range of clients, from children with learning disabilities to adults facing serious health challenges.
Expanding Services and Leadership
In 1993, Felicity North became the Head Music Of Therapy, with Angela Harrison joining the team as a part-time therapist. Together, they expanded the charity’s work into psychiatric hospitals in York, such as Stockton Hall and The Retreat, and began delivering music therapy to children in special education schools and adults with learning and physical disabilities in day centres.
By 1999, Angela Harrison assumed leadership of the team. Alongside the trustees, she established a restricted fund, Music My Voice, which has since raised over £350,000 to fund and subsidize music therapy for children.
Throughout its history, NYMTC has received significant recognition for its work, including the GlaxoSmithKline and Kings Fund IMPACT Award, the High Commendation of the HRH Duke of York’s Community Initiative Award, and the Special Leadership Award.
International Recognition and World Congress Participation
The Centre’s innovative work has been showcased on the global stage, with NYMTC presenting at the World Federation of Music Therapy’s World Congress on several occasions:
1990: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1993: Vitoria, Spain
2002: Oxford, UK
2008: Buenos Aires, Argentina
2011: World Summit in Seoul, South Korea
2014: Krems, Austria
2017: Tsukuba, Japan
2020: Pretoria, South Africa (presented online)
The North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre Mobile Unit became operational on November 4th 1989.
Mary & Raymond – One of Mary’s first contracts was with Breckenbrough School for boys, where pupils were instantly attracted to the new technology (MIDIGrid) available in the Mobile Unit.
A New Era of Community-Based Interventions
Under the leadership of Laura Festa, who became Director in 2019, the Centre has expanded its focus to include more community-based interventions. With the opening of our new premises, The Byre, NYMTC now has a central hub that serves as the base for office activities, community programs, training workshops, and clinical music therapy sessions.
Today, the Centre continues to offer a diverse range of services, including:
Pre-school children and early childhood development
Special and mainstream schools
Mental Health support to young people form social deprived areas
Mental Health support to adults through social prescribing scheme
Adults with Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
Adults with learning and physical disabilities
Older people and dementia care
Team-building and educational workshops
Vision for the Future
The North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre aims to continue growing its role in enhancing the life and well-being of the community through music therapy and group music sessions. Our work supports individuals from all walks of life, offering them a safe, welcoming environment where they can experience the healing power of music.
The Byre is now a central space for community-building, training, and therapeutic activities. Through music exploration and self-expression, we encourage individuals to achieve their personal goals and feel valued as members of the community.
Laura Festa – Current director of music therapy at North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre.