VIDEOS
At the North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre, we offer music therapy sessions, workshops, and events across North Yorkshire, focusing on enhancing wellbeing and personal growth.
Our services are available in both community settings, clinical settings, and at our welcoming Music Therapy Centre at The Byre, Hovingham.
Lucas’ Story
Music Therapist Stephen on the progress made with Lucas
Lucas, a blind 7-year-old young man studying at a special school, was referred to weekly group music therapy sessions aiming to promote his communication and social skills, and to foster a sense of group togetherness. In the beginning of the year, Lucas was a bit shy in terms of using words and vocalisations to interact in the group. During the year, Lucas has displayed a substantial progress in terms of his communication and social skills.
In terms of communication, Lucas has progressed to consistently show a good level of active listening and understanding by responding to musical prompts, such as singing words or animal sounds to fill blanks in songs like "Old MacDonald", “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”, “The Wheels on the Bus”. As a teaching staff member noted, his “speech and singing has improved massively”.
Peter’s Story
Ollie & Karen on the Life Changing Impact of Music Therapy for Their Son Peter
Ollie and Karen, both musicians and parents to Peter, share their heartfelt story about the profound impact and benefits music therapy has had on their son’s life Peter, a student at The Minster Provision at Askham Bryan College, has been receiving music therapy since he was very young.
In this video, we witness the powerful connection Peter has with music, how he responds to sound, rhythm, song, and how it has become a vital tool for communication. Ollie and Karen reflect on their journey, offering insight into how music therapy has supported Peter’s development and strengthened their bond as a family.
This is a moving testament to the transformative power of music, both in therapy and at home.
The Minster Provision
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars - performed by the students of The Minster Provision at Askham Bryan College in York with North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centres Senior Therapist Alison.
Resonate Together
Community Music Therapy in North Yorkshire
Discover Resonate Together, a community music therapy project led by the North Yorkshire Music Therapy Centre in partnership with Next Steps’ Living Well With programme.
Launched in February 2025 and running through July, this initiative offers accessible, creative, and therapeutic music sessions for local residents and members of Acorn, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. Held at the Salvation Army in Norton, sessions combine music, movement, nature, and reflection to support emotional wellbeing and foster connection.
Through warm-ups, themed reflections, group improvisation, and sharing, participants explore personal wellbeing goals, build confidence, and strengthen social bonds. Early sessions focused on building trust and belonging, and over time, participants have grown in creativity, emotional openness, and collaboration.
Resonate Together demonstrates the transformative power of music therapy to nurture wellbeing, connection, and hope. Funding & Support: Mental Health Transformation programme, Howardian Hills Fund, Inspire Fund.
John’s Story
Music Therapy In Care Homes A Case Study With John
At the heart of our work with older people is a commitment to offering accessible, and evidence-informed support for those living with dementia, as well as for those who care for them. This year, our efforts in dementia care have developed across both community and clinical settings. In the community, we have continued to offer dementia-friendly singing groups such as Sunshine Singers and Singing Group at Princess Court.
These groups provide joyful musical activities that offer meaningful connection and stimulation. We also worked in partnership with Dementia Forward to deliver Beat It, a more targeted music therapy programme designed to support emotional regulation through rhythm-based activities. As part of this project, we have been exploring whether regular rhythmic stimulation can positively impact participants’ emotional wellbeing and ability to self-regulate.
Alice’s Story
Music Therapy In Care Homes A Case Study With Alice
What does it mean to find yourself again when a diagnosis has made you feel invisible? In this short case study, music therapist Laura Festa shares the therapeutic journey of Alice, a resident at Lavender Fields Care Village in York, living with dementia and depression.
Through regular music therapy sessions, Alice began to reconnect with her sense of self, her emotions, and the people around her, in ways that extended well beyond the therapy room into her everyday life. This video explores how music therapy offered Alice a space to be heard, to express, and to flourish, not in spite of her diagnosis, but alongside it.