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Two people are reading a document. One person is pointing to the page and talking.

A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this booklet. They will be able to answer any questions that you have.
 

A boy in a red t-shirt pointing to a piano and cricket set.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy can help you to try and understand your feelings. You will be working with a music therapist. They will work with you on any difficulties you are having.

Two men interacting, one providing comfort to the other who is holding glasses and wiping his eyes.

You might be worried about:

  • how you get on with other people
  • managing with things at home
  • why you might feel lonely and upset
A woman singing with a microphone, speaker, and lyrics on a monitor.

In music therapy you can sing, play instruments and make music.

A red electric guitar with a white pickguard and maple neck.

You can use:

  • Guitars
  • Drums
  • Chimes
  • Keyboards

- and many more

Person singing into a microphone with headphones on, wearing a black floral top.

Music can be a good way to show how you feel and tell stories. Using sounds can help explain feelings that are hard to put into words.

Person in a wheelchair pointing at maracas and a paint palette on a white background.

Music therapy can help you think about:

  • things that matter to you
  • things that make you happy or sad
  • things that you would like to change
Young boy in a red shirt posing with finger guns in front of colored squares with question marks.

The music therapist can help you even if you find talking difficult.

A young man in a beige sweater and navy blue track pants celebrating with a raised fist and a reddish-brown recorder with white rings and finger holes.

Some people find music helps them to express themselves. This helps them feel better.

You might find you learn new things and have some fun.

The therapist is there to help you. They will listen to you and respect your feelings and privacy.

Two men interacting, one providing comfort to the other who is holding glasses and wiping his eyes.

Sometimes sharing your feelings with the music therapist can help you. It may help you feel less upset or lonely.

Who will be there?

You will usually see the music therapist on your own.

Sometimes there will be music therapy groups. These groups may be big or small.

Several overlapping calendar pages showing different months including March, June and October..

How long will the music therapy last?

The music therapist will talk to you about when and where you are going to meet. How long you see the music therapist for will depend on what you want to work on.

A vinyl record labeled 'Greatest Hits' with 33 RPM speed. There is a tick and a cross next to the record

Do I have to be good at music?

You don’t have to be good at music. The music therapist will help you with your music.

Music therapy is not like a music lesson in school. Your work will not be marked by a teacher.

A young person with glasses holding a small drum and smiling.

The idea is that you can express yourself freely using musical instruments.

You decide who will listen to your music.

A compact disc with metallic, reflective surface and 'Compact Disc Digital Audio' label.

What will happen to my music?

Any music you make, like a CD will be kept safe by the therapist. It will be kept private. The music is for you and the therapist to listen to and talk about.

Sometimes the music therapist might ask if they can record your music. These will be kept private but you will be able to hear them if you wish.

When your therapy ends you can choose to take any of your work away with you.

If you don’t want to take it your therapist will destroy it. This respects your privacy.

Person in blue fleece jacket writing in a brown planner at a white desk.

Will other people know what is happening in music therapy?

The music therapist will keep a confidential record of the session; they will respect your privacy.

The music therapist might write a report but will talk to you about these. They will talk about this with you.

The music therapist will answer any questions you have.

Person in a wheelchair pointing at maracas and a paint palette on a white background.

How do I get music therapy?

If you would like to come to music therapy you should talk to your ward staff.

They can contact the music therapist for you.

Two people sitting and talking on modern chairs.

The music therapist will then come to see you. They will assess if music therapy would be helpful to you.

If it will be helpful the music therapist will talk to you about when you will start music therapy.

Front cover of Trust complaints leaflet

Problems, complaints or suggestions

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust has a complaints policy. We will give you a leaflet about how to make a complaint.

If you think that we could improve our service then please let a music therapist know your idea.

a telephone

Or you can call the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside
0800 328 4397
North of Tyne
0800 032 0202

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Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref: PIC/691/1125 November 2025 V6
Review date 2028

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk