Music Therapy

Oxfordshire County Music Service is delighted to share the exciting addition to its countywide offer for schools: Music Therapy. Sitting alongside our established music education and Music for Wellbeing provision, this specialist therapeutic service gives schools another way to support pupils who may need targeted help with emotional wellbeing, communication, relationships, confidence or engagement in learning.

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy uses music-making within a safe therapeutic relationship to help children and young people express themselves, develop coping strategies and build stronger connections with adults and peers. It can be particularly helpful for pupils who find verbal communication difficult, experience anxiety or low mood, need support with emotional regulation, or face barriers to attendance and participation in school life.

Supporting inclusion for all

The addition of Music Therapy strengthens our aim of inclusion for all by widening the pathways through which pupils can access music. Music Therapy provides an individualised, low pressure, and responsive route into musical engagement, helping pupils feel heard, valued and able to take part in ways that meet their needs. Together with curriculum support, instrumental teaching and Music for Wellbeing, it enables schools to choose the right level of musical support for each pupil.

How schools can access the service

Schools can book Music Therapy as individual and, if appropriate, small-group provision. Bookings can be made for between 6 weeks and a year with session planning agreed in partnership with the school and, where appropriate, parents and carers. Provision can include assessment blocks, clear review points and written reports to support wider planning, including annual reviews, EHCP processes and multi-agency discussions.  There is the potential for the therapist to work with the students at school, at home or at an alternative provision and to help with transitions.  To find out more or make a booking, visit Music Therapy | Oxfordshire | Education Services or contact the Music Service at music.service@oxfordshire.gov.uk.