Music Therapy Student Emma Joins the Team at Whickham

Emma Butler, a student on the internationally-renowned master's degree course run by music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, has begun a year-long placement at The Manor House Whickham.

Jordan Bates, lifestyle coordinator at The Manor House said: “We are delighted that Emma has joined the team. She is here for one day each week. At the moment Emma is working with residents who wish to take part in music therapy sessions on a one-to-one basis. She is doing a fantastic job and we are already seeing the benefits. As everyone gets to know her we’ll be doing some small group activities and open groups where people can just drop-in as well.”

Emma commented: “The benefits of music therapy are wide ranging. For people living with dementia it can provide reassurance, reduce anxiety and open opportunities to socialise and interact more. Through using both familiar songs and spontaneous improvisation, music therapy can provide a long-lasting and positive experience to aid general well-being.”

Emma graduated from Leeds College of Music last year and is a classically trained flautist who also plays the piano. She has been interested in the therapeutic use of music for several years, shadowing a music teacher in an additional needs middle school and, as part of a community music module at university, volunteering as a musician in a nursery for children with additional needs. As part of the Nordoff Robbins’ course she has also shadowed a music therapist working in a children’s hospice.